Stage 8- WE DID IT!!!

Sept 10, 2011- Stage 8
Today we ran 30km from Schlanders to Latsch, Italy. We covered 1800 meters of climbing, and 1900 meters of descending.

I've been thinking of this day for the past 8 months....the Finish Line at the 2011 Trans Alpine Race. What would it feel like? What would I do next? Would I be relieved or sad that it was over?

After yesterday's horrible day, I was hoping today would go much better and would be more fun. The profile of the stage looked better- only 30km, and more runnable terrain!!
I woke up feeling great and ready to go!! We took off slow, and I took Rene's lead as to what pace she could hold.  I have to admit something though, when we started to climb and I saw the top women's teams slipping away and forging ahead, I just wanted to run them down and catch them all!!! Now I know that we set off to just finish this race, but after feeling so good all week and feeling stronger by the day, I just wanted to RACE!!! Now, this doesn't make any sense- at this point, the 7th place team is an hour ahead of us and this late in the game, TOTALLY unrealistic that we could move up any placements. So I struggled all the way to the top of the climb with all of the above thoughts..... fighting the urge to run as fast as I can, and knowing that it just plainly didn't make any sense, and I would be the world's worst partner if I did so. I probably shouldn't admit these things, but it was the first time I really struggled with it. I feel very guilty just admitting that I had these thoughts:(

After nearing the top of the climb though, I chilled out and relaxed a bit more.....surrendering to the moment, taking in the gorgeous views and did I mention WILD HORSES at the summit?!!!!! If they were unicorns, it would've been a dream sequence....... WOW!!!

Now, Rene and I talked the night before and we agreed that if she felt up to it we would push the downhill to the finish- to finish this race strong!! And that is what we did!!!
 Right from the summit, we pushed the technical singletrack and were laughing and giggling on the way down. Then we heard Mike and Nadja (the mixed canadian team who has been kicking ass this whole race!!)- Nadja was having stomach issues, and problems with her foot and forced to walk the downhill......We really felt for them because they were placing in the top 10 every stage up until this point.  They are so positive though, they both had smiles on their faces:) Love these guys!!!

From there, we got into the 2nd aid station pretty quick and had a quick stop, then ran hard on the forestry road down approx 6km.....then into rolling singletrack....to a flat asphalt finish for 3 km......It was like heaven.....I got my strong finish, and all my selfish thoughts from earlier completely disappeared and I remembered why we signed up for this race initially. For the Experience.  And it was an Amazing one!!! 8 days, 4 countries, 274 kilometers through the Alps with 15, 436 meters of elevation gain!! And partnership. It is all about working as a TEAM and looking out and supporting each other. Rene is my partner, but has also become a very good friend and that is something that I will cherish more than any race placement could ever offer. There is a different degree of trust and closeness that goes along with being partners in such a race. The training for months, the sharing of feelings (good and bad), the good days, the bad days.....The sharing of the whole experience is something that no one else fully understands. It has bonded us in a way that will be there forever. I am very proud and lucky to have a partner like Rene!

And my body held up!! Actually my body completely amazed me.....feeling stronger and faster every day, no muscle pain, no blisters and my foot was pain-free until stage 7!!! I was expecting to have to take anti-inflammatories every day, but I only ended up taking 2 in the 8 days-It's amazing what the body can do!
And we ended up with an 8th place finish in the women's category! Not bad for 2 girls that didn't have any "Real" mountains to train on.....instead of 1 mountain repeat, we did 10 smaller ones:)!!
I am so thankful that we finished the race with no injuries, no serious illnesses,  and no falls, which is amazing considering the gnarly terrain we were running!!!
We've had such amazing support from Valhalla pure- we had such amazing gear out there!!! We were always comfortable....wether it was in humid 30 degree heat, freezing rain or near freezing at the summit of the mountains, we had the right gear!! Thank you so much Valhalla!!

Also, I can't thank Trent and Carter enough for all of their help with the logistics of this race, and for all their cheering and support!! It was unbelievable how seamless and easy they made things for us- they worked so hard, and had to drive to all the stage towns, find guesthouses and lug gear!!! And a huge Thank You for Rene, Trent and Carter for letting me be part of their family for the last couple of weeks and for including me- It has been such a fun and great time!!! Thank you so much again for everything you have done for me:)!

So after reaching the finishing line, what was I thinking? I was thinking how much I loved to RUN, how much I loved this experience and that more importantly, I was ready for a vacation......

Stage 7.......tough day on the trails.

Sept 11, 2011- Stage 7

Today, we ran 37 km from Mals to Schlanders , Italy.  The stage had 2063 meters of climbing and 2334 meters of descending!!
After yesterday's finish, we got to start in the B gate!! I was so excited because we are notoriously late lining up every morning, and always end up being the shmucks who duck under the fence and budge in line to get an ok starting position. Starting in the B gate, we could roll in 5 minutes before race start and have a great position!

This was a hard stage, and we knew there was a nasty climb from 16 km-21 km.
Rene felt horrible the whole stage, and it only got worse. The worst thing about being in a team is when you are feeling amazing and your teammate is suffering!! You want to make them feel better, give them some of your energy, etc. But bottom line, there is very little you can do for them except try to make anything you can easier for them and support them with whatever they need.
This was a very hard stage emotionally for me (and obviously for Rene too!!!), as I hate to see my friend and teammate suffer.
On the big climb, there was a drummer, a tuba player playing music- VERY cool!! We also climbed to our highest point of the race- 3000 meters!!! Also VERY cool!!

It was hard to enjoy this stage though when my partner was having such a rough day:(
But she made it through, didn't quit and persevered as best she could- I am VERY proud of her for that!!!
Tomorrow is the last stage, and above all else- we know we will be at the finish line tomorrow!!!

Stage 6- A Euphoric Running Day!!!

Stage 6, September 8^th, 2011

Today's stage we ran 37km from Scuol to Mals Italy. The elevation gain was 1332 meters, and loss was 1474 meters.

When I woke up this morning I had my doubts how today’s stage would go. After having only 3 hours sleep, rushing around, running late and Rene realizing she had lost her running poles at the previous stage…..stress was in the air!!

But all of that dissipated the minute the starting horn blared. We had a really nice start to today’s stage-through Scuol, and a nice gradual, winding descent for 6-7 km.  I set out, trying to de-stress, relax and find a nice, comfortable pace. It took me only a couple of km, and I had found a nice, relaxed rhythm.

Next thing we knew, we were already 12 km in, and soon were at the first aid station!! People were noticeably hurting, and some were quite sickL

After the first aid station, we found ourselves climbing into one of the most spectacular areas I have ever seen. The trail hugged the mountain, and it was cut out of the rock! There were caves to go through, and some really steep drops!!! It was stunning!!!

After this area, it was mainly undulating to the next aid station. After the 2^nd aid station, it was a steep descent, and continued to descend for nearly 13kms!!  I picked up my pace after the 2^nd aid station because there was a girl running who was vomiting and running. People that know me, know that I cannot handle vomit – so I picked up the pace to drop “vomit girl”.  Poor Rene!!!

The last 5km was on a winding pathway heading into the Italian town of Mals.  This was tough on the body, and we were very happy to see the finish line!! We were even happier to see that we managed to come in 6^th place in the women’s field, and to have found pizza!!!

We’re not too sure how many runners have dropped out or have been disqualified (didn’t make time cutoffs, etc….), but there are a lot of solo runners out there. There are a lot of hurting bodies, and sick people in the field too.

I felt like I was in a Euphoric Running state almost the whole day,  like my body was not even touching the ground. It was so nice to have quiet out on the trails today and to really get to connect with myself and take in all the scenery.

The weather was perfect for running- overcast with some light wind at the summits and a little bit of drizzle. Let’s hope the weather co-operates for the next 2 stages. Tomorrow’s stage has some tough climbing, but we will just see what tomorrow bringsJ

Welcome to ITALY!!!!

Stage 5- Hill Sprint/ Rest Day

Sept 7, 2011- Stage 5
So, I have to start out by saying that when we first signed up for the race and I was looking at the stages for the race, I thought today was a rest day! That was, until I told Rene and she laughed at me and told me to look at the elevation profile for today's stage!
Today's stage was a 6 km hill sprint from Scuol up to the top of a ski hill with 940 meters of elevation.
This follows exactly the same route that we came down yesterday.
Rene and I decided that we would take it steady but not really push too hard to blow up the legs. The fact that it was such a short stage, a few extra minutes really didn't bother us too much!! And we know that we still have 3 tough stages ahead.
Not much to say about this stage except it was short and over quickly!!! I felt really good again today, which made me feel good but also starting to wonder/anticipate when the pain and fatigue is going to set in?!!!
We had a pasta lunch at the top of the ski hill and got to visit and get to know our fellow canadian runners a bit better- what a fabulous group from Canada!! Mike and Nadja from Canmore are so great, and they are rocking the mixed division-so fast!!! And Stacey and Gaye from Regina are very accomplished runners themselves with soo much experience racing, under their belts!!! Aviva and Rumon from Victoria are also running in the mixed division and are looking great out there!!
It was the best food yet! We then took the gondola down to Scuol where we had the rest of the day to do NOTHING!!! YEAH!!! It's also been really nice for us to stay 2 nights in Sent (3 miles from Scuol) in a fabulous guesthouse!! It's also really nice for Trent and Carter- they can do their own thing a little bit more and not have to drive all day to reach the next stage town!

At 6:15pm we went out looking for food, and in such a small town, it turned into a stage from the amazing race- everything closed at 6:30!! It was sooo much fun scrambling around town, and we got some buns, salami and cheese- our staples since getting to Europe!!! So good!!!!
I also had a sugar meltdown in the middle of the town square and needed candy ASAP.....

 So now, we have 3 stages to go and I think 110 km of running left. The weather looks good, and I think the next few stages are supposed to be the most scenic!! Can't imagine it getting any better than what we've already seen!!!
So tomorrow, we're going to run to Italy......

Stage 4- Halfway There!!

Sept 6th, 2011- Stage 4

So today's run marked the 4th stage in this 8 day stage race, after today- we are halfway to finishing!!
Today, we ran from Galtur, Austria to Scuol, Switzerland!
It was a 40 km run with 2340 meters of climbing, and 2700 meters of descending!!!
It was a gorgeous morning leaving Galtur, quite a change from the day before as we made our way through a fairly runnable valley for approx 10km heading into the glacier area, to our first aid station.

We took things fairly easy to this point, then made our way through some undulating/climbing sections until we reached a peak, and a man welcomed us to Switzerland!! It was unreal:)

After this ascent, there was a very technical, rocky descent that we pushed pretty hard through to get past the slower/tentative runners. On some steep switchbacks, I got stuck behind a spanish team of men that wouldn't let me pass, and rene had to wait ahead....as soon as I got past them, we pushed hard for the next 5km of the descent and flat/undulating area before it started to climb. It was getting hot at this point, and we just kept an even pace up to the second aid station. This was such a beautiful spot, but after stepping in tons of mud/cow patties, we decided to make it a quick stop so the poor people in the restaurant didn't have to deal with our grossness!! (little note- there have been cows EVERYWHERE in this race, on every mountain side. I love hearing the sound of their bells ringing as we're running- I feel like they're cheering us on:) ) After this aid station, we had a really steep climb for the next 3 km, reaching 2800 meters (the highest point of this race to date). It was hot and steep and we slugged to the top- it was worth it! After a little scramble to the peak, the views were incredible!!! 360 degrees of beautiful Swiss Alps!!! Literally breathtaking (combined with the climb, the altitude!)!!

After this, we had a really fun, technical descent with lots of steep/tight swithchbacks for another 5 km! So much fun!!  As we made our way on a well used hiking path, an old couple sitting on a bench said to us in English "Welcome to Switzerland". It was such a nice gesture, and after having run 6 hours already, it made us both a little emotional- we had just run through 3 countries in 4 days!!

From this we traversed over to a ski hill where Rene got shocked by an electrical fence, and a german guy right behind her did exactly the same except he was wearing a white spandex outfit and slipped right into the mud/cow pattie mixture!! I asked him if he needed help, all the while trying not to laugh and give him a lecture on why he should NEVER wear white spandex, but I refrained myself:)
So long story short, from the ski hill we had a 6km downhill into Scuol, ending with a gorgeous descent into the town, on the cobblestone roads- Most Beautiful Finish Yet!!!
I am amazed at how good I felt today, my body felt better today than any other day. Each day I seem to feel a bit better. I wonder how long that will last for!!? LOL!!
Now bring on tomorrow's Rest Day, I mean Hill Sprint.......

Stage 3- Best Day Yet!!

Sept 5, 2011- Stage 3
Today's stage was a 43 km run with 1900 meters of climbing, and 1000 meters of descending in the rain. Not just rain. It was pouring. The whole night, and the whole run. For this reason, they had to shorten the stage by a kilometer and take out the climbing to the ridgeline. It was too bad, but we wouldn't have been able to see anything from the clouds anyhow.

We left Schruns and headed to Galtur at 9am. We set out at a comfortable pace and were surprised at how much of the first 10km was runnable! My legs were stiff after yesterday's 54km, but loosened up within an hour:)
We were steady and feeling good in the rain- wearing our icebreaker shorts and shirts, we were the perfect temperature until hitting 2300 meters and have to put our toques, gloves, sleeves and vests on! Couldn't believe how well the icebreaker merino insulated!! We were the only runners we saw with shorts and short sleeves out there!! After the 2nd aid station, things got muddy and technical and 2 Canadian Girls on the Run put on their party runners and had a blast through that section!!! We passed close to a couple of dozen teams, all the while giggling and laughing.....so much fun!!! After the bog section, we had a steep climb up to the 3rd aid station and started the steep 12 km descent in Galtur. This section was also really fun and had some good technical sections. We didn't want to push too hard on this descent as we didn't want to blow up our quads, as we knew stage 4 was going to be tough.It is beautiful running into these small towns nestled in between the mountains, what an amazing view and so much fun that the whole town gets out and supports this race!!
All in all, we had a great day in the rain!!! Our best day, and I didn't take any pictures. I didn't want to risk  breaking my camera with all the rain.  Getting ready to run to Switzerland tomorrow- so excited!!!!

Stage 2- a better day!

Sept 4, 2011- Stage 2

I was so nervous last night, after having such a horrible day running yesterday, at what Stage 2 would look like. I had a good sleep, not great, as Saturday night in Hirschegg is party night!!! When I got up at 5am, I could still hear people partying..... We stayed just outside of Hirschegg in a great guesthouse set right into the mountain!
I think we were 13th out of 36 womens teams heading into day 2 ....this doesn't mean much to us, as our biggest goal is to finish this race, and to take each day as it comes.
So today was our biggest day- 54km with 2500 meters of climbing. Daunting at the best of times, scared to death I was after yesterday's disaster.
We started off in overcast skies and a nice, easy pace. Our goal was to take it easy the first 4 stages and simply survive!! We had a great day running- some ups and some downs but nothing out of the ordinary for such a long day!

We had a lot of fun, and our day went by as planned and surprisingly quickly!! There was an amazing rock descent on the edge of a gulley, some gorgeous views, and got to run through some beautiful private land where the owners were outside cheering us from their decks!! So much fun!! There was a horribly humid, very steep climb at 45km, followed by some fun single track downhill, then some undulating pathway running to the finish. All in all, it was a great day and I got my confidence back!!! Now actually looking forward to tomorrow's run:)
Did I mention that Rene and I are starting to get a reputation as "THE CANADIANS", and that some teams know to pull over when there's a descent to let us pass? Yes, we love running downhill, we're not afraid of mud, and we can be loud!! We're having fun out there!!!

Stage 1.....

Sept 3, 2011- STAGE 1

The transalps race is looking to be really well organized, and the organizers are great people with a great sense of humor! We got to sit and meet with all the other Canadians at the pasta party last night- I think there are 9 of us in total- 2 mixed teams, 2 female teams and one canadian girl running with a german girl on a female team.
Today, we ran from Oberstdorf to Hirschegg, Germany. It was a great starting distance- 27.20km, with 1800 meters of climbing. I'd like to say it was a great day, but it wasn't.....

Don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful day and a beautiful course and I loved it until 2 hours 45minutes in......We had just gotten to the top of our biggest ascent and I was feeling great up until that point, then I started to feel lousy on the descent.....dizzy and my stomach was upset. We figured it was a bit of the altitude getting to me, compounded maybe by a little dehydration. It was really hot and HUMID today, and I think I underestimated what I needed to drink to stay hydrated. After already not feeling great, I got knocked over on a steep descent by someone's poles.....I think this got my adrenalin going too much, and after this, I couldn't get my heart rate down. My heart rate was ridiculously high the rest of the 2 hours it took to get my sufferfest day to end.  Thanks to Rene for getting my butt to the finish line..... Wow. Is this how I'm going to start my first 8 day stage race?

Pre-Race Jitters!!!

I'd be lying right now if I said I didn't feel intimidated.....by the mountains, by the length of the race, by the uber-fit teams we have seen. I know this is all about our race, and working as a team to have the best and most enjoyable race possible but STILL.......
We have been in Oberstdorf since Wednesday and it is beautiful!!! A bakery on every corner, tons of sport shops in town, beautiful buildings and of course....the mountains lurking in the background!!

We've had a week of eating well, sleeping as much as possible, and some hiking. We've had a lot of laughs, which helps to deal with what lies ahead.
I've been dealing with my nerves by knitting. I'm already almost done a baby sweater for my friend Megan's son who was born right before I left, and a toque for Rene. I expect to be done toques for myself, Carter and Trent in a couple of days too!!! It's a great way to calm myself down and get grounded:)
I'm getting very excited to FINALLY start this race as it seems like it's been a long time coming, and this week has been a bit of a "Hurry up and Wait" week. I know for the next 8 days, Rene and I are going to see some of the most beautiful views of our lives, hopefully meet some great people, and push our bodies to their limit.
Bring it on ALPS!!! We're ready for you!!!!

GERMANY!!!

GERMANY!!!

We arrived in MUNICH!!!! YEAH!!! It feels absolutely surreal to actually be here! We had a good flight from Toronto, and I slept close to 4 ½ hours on the plane.

We picked up the rental car at the immaculate airport, and headed toward Fussen, a small town  2 hours from Oberstdorff, where our race starts.

Driving through the countryside, we were amazed at how beautiful and clean this part of Germany was! We stopped in a small village for authentic Italian Pizza (I know, Italian pizza in Germany….) and headed to Fussen. Fussen is surrounded by smaller mountains and has a beautiful lake on the outskirts.

We’re staying in a hostel in Fussen for 2 nights….tight quarters, and we’re going to get to know each other pretty quickly!!!

We had a great meal at the hostel, a little bit more of a german influence this time, having gnocchi and salad and soup- delicious! I made myself eat, as it is a struggle just to stay awake today!!!

We’re making ourselves stay up to 8pm so that we won’t wake up in the middle of the night, and can get up early for a quick run before going for a tour of the castle here, and hopefully another hike in the afternoon……

Goodnight.

Pre-Race Vacation!!

I decided a few weeks ago to leave a week earlier and head to PEI for a much needed visit with my family, and rest from work and training before heading to Germany.

I had a great visit, and was soo happy I made the decision to go! I got to play golf, visit with my grandparents, play with my niece and a great visits with my brother and sister in law, and just be HOME for a week. My parents always make it so easy to visit, and are such great company! I love just drinking coffee or a glass of wine at the cottage and getting a chance to chat.

I gotta be honest, I really didn’t feel like running when I was home, and my body felt heavy. I did 3-hour long runs, and a longer 2 hour trail run. Maintenance at this point, nothing too much!!  I felt sluggish, slow and starting to question what I was doing, registering for a race this big!! I think that it was typical pre-race jitters, and I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t peaking to race this week!!! Rene was a great source of putting my mind at ease, and it was reassuring to know that she was having similar struggles this week!! Thank god for a partnerJ

When I was home, it was a great opportunity to get some physio, and I managed to get in twice last week. I think it helped, and it was a great reminder that I need to keep stretching!! (something I never do!!!)

I am very proud to report that I did NOT overindulge in lobster this visit, and only had one feed of lobster and a lobster sandwich….was quite proud of this accomplishment!!!

I felt pretty jet-lagged until Thursday, then I started to feel like I was getting on east coast time…..just in time to leave Sunday evening to meet Rene and her family in Toronto to fly to Munich together.

All week, we were watching the weather as hurricane Irene was threatening to hit the east coast…. A few hours before I was to fly out it started to rain, but there was no problem with my flight leaving Charlottetown…..all set to head to Europe!!