Sunday 1 May 2011

Sierra Elvira COPA de ESPAÑA, GP Buff-Salomon 2011

Today I ran my first Spanish (mountain running) Cup race in Atarfe (near Granada), and what I consider my first major mountain running race (apart from K42 in Argentina). Over the past 9 weeks I have been focusing solely on this race and saw it as a target to help me 'come-back' from my injury in December. I knew it was going to be a tough race as Spain has some of the best mountain runners in the World and with so little training under my belt I was unsure of my capabilities.

The race started with the expected frantic pace with everyone vying for the front to avoid the congestion on the small paths close to the start. I managed to get into a comfortable position and avoided getting tangled up with any other runners. At the first climb I managed to over take several runners and found myself in 8th position... unfortunately in no-man's-land! I was too far behind the leading group to make visual contact on the sharp twists and turns and too far ahead of the chasing pack to slow down to let them catch me up. After 5 km we passed the starting area again where Alison was waiting with her camera. From 5 to 20km this is where I remained (in 8th position), however I felt strong and was running at a pace that I felt I could sustain all day. However things changed quickly and the following few kilometers were tougher than anything I have ever encountered. The climbs were so steep I was reduced to walking and the descents were so steep that they brought flash back to Tamadaba Trail (the race I broke my hand and collarbone in December). At 25km (out of 28km), just I thought I was on the finishing straight into the finish I was faced with a climb so steep I could hardly see the top! Mentally I switched off...I was not expecting it and was not prepared...suddenly runners started to pass me and I could do nothing to respond! Everything seemed to fall apart! I started to cramp badly in my legs and feet felt like they had been cut to ribbons. The last few kilomters were some of the most painful kms I have ever run. Within the space of a few kilometers I lost 13 places and finished in a disappointing 20th position some 17 minutes behind the winner Ivan Otiz.



After reflecting a little on the race I have started to feel a little better about myself. I did only start training properly 9 weeks ago after having close to 3 months were I could do very little for myself (even button a shirt). I now have 7 weeks to improve on some of my weaknesses before the next Spanish Cup race in Artenara, Gran Canaria on the 19th June.

PHOTOS TO FOLLOW....

Thursday 5th AprilSince the race on Sunday I been in bed with a 'stomach bug', which might explain the dehydration/ cramp and how quickly I faded in the last few kilometers.