A few weeks ago, my parents, Kai and I visited the scenic little mountain town of Engelberg. We took a tiny cable car up to Fürenalp, admired the views, strolled around, and finished with coffee and cake at the mountain café. It was bliss!
Little did I know my next visit would involve less cake, more mud, and an attempt to run up that very same mountain.
The culprit: our friend Marina. She asked if I’d join her for the inaugural Engelberg Trail Race. My hamstring was still grumbling, but the temptation was too strong. Distances on offer: 100 km, 56 km and 25 km. Naturally, we picked the short one – a mere 25 km (15.5 miles) with about 1,300 m (4,300 ft) of climbing. Easy, right?
Kai was meant to be our supporter – or so I thought. A few days before the race, I checked the start list and almost spat out my tea – Kai’s name was there too. For a moment I wondered if I’d signed him up by accident. Nope. He grinned and said, “It was supposed to be a surprise.” A lovely surprise, indeed – supporters who turn into participants are the best!
On race morning, we arrived in Engelberg at 8:30 to pick up our bibs. Our little gang had grown: Tatjana, who had never done a race in her life, joined as well. She was horrified by the porta potties: “Ew! You can actually see other people’s poo!” Welcome to the running world, Tatjana!
Then we bumped into Brigitta, a friend from South Africa, who had brought along Trix as her supporter. Trix, 64, is tougher than nails: she’d just finished 4th woman overall in a 100 km race in June. Talk about inspiration!
At 10 am, the race started. About 500 runners squeezed together. The first 4 km were flat, then the climbing began. Suddenly the trail resembled a medieval jousting tournament: runners stopped, yanked out their poles, and waved them about like weapons, narrowly missing eyes and vital organs. It was total chaos! I zig-zagged through, relieved to escape without being impaled.
Then came three kilometres of steep speed-hiking.
At the top was the café where I’d once lounged with my parents in the sunshine. This time, it was like on a different planet: no cake, no coffee – just fog, a few spectators, and an aid station where volunteers frantically handed out electrolytes. No more alpine romance!
I grabbed water and carried on. The next stretch was bliss: gentle downhill, roaring waterfalls from the recent rain, pure mountain magic.
Then came Hill No. 2. Shorter, yes, but on tired legs it felt worse. And just when I thought the worst was behind me, the trail dropped into the descent of doom.
Pure slippery mayhem! Mud, rocks, roots, the full package. My plan had been a neat sub-3-hour finish. My reality was clinging to tree trunks and gingerly sliding downhill while a herd of young runners bounded past me like mountain goats on steroids. I pulled aside to let them fly, admiring their bouncy stride.
But revenge is sweet. Once the trail flattened, the goats looked a little less springy. One by one, I reeled them in, my inner villain gleefully ticking boxes: “Got you… and you… and you.”
Alas, the damage was done. I crossed the line in 3:02:43 – so close, yet not sub-3. Still, I managed to be 24th woman out of 178, and if they’d bothered with official age groups, I’d have been 2nd in 50–59 (results here).
Verdict: spectacular scenery, great organisation, but Brigitta and I both agreed – road races are far less hazardous. Give us tarmac over goat-track mudslides any day!
- Do you enjoy trail races, or do you prefer the safety of tarmac?
- Do you think “flying” downhill can be learned?
I’m joining Runs with Pugs and The Running Teacher’s link-up, Tuesday Topics. I’m also joining Runner’s Roundup with Mile By Mile, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs.
Sag’ ich doch, ein Abenteuer nach dem anderen ! Und immer wieder die herrlichen Landschaften und Kräfte erfordernde steile, steinige Passagen !! Kannst froh sein, dass Kai die gleichen Interessen hat wie du , zu zweit macht es sowieso immer mehr Spaß, auch wenn der andere Part ” nur ” als Supporter dabei ist. Das mag ich auch sehr !
Die Trails, die ich in meiner Laufkarriere durchgezogen haben, sind recht wenige, nicht zuletzt, weil ich zu weit entfernt von diesen Trails wohnte. Von daher zog ich immer die andere Version vor, weil ich es gewohnt war über Jahrzehnte. Und wenn ich mal dabei war, dann mit äußerster Vorsicht, weil ich es leider nicht gewohnt war.
Daumen hoch und ganz liebe Grüße
Ja, dieses Abenteuer hat sich geradezu angeboten! 😄 Die Landschaften sind einfach atemberaubend, und die steilen, steinigen Passagen fordern wirklich alles von einem. Ich bin froh, dass Kai die Trails gerne mag – zu zweit macht alles gleich noch mehr Spass, auch wenn der eine „nur“ als Supporter unterwegs ist.
Ich kann gut verstehen, dass du vorsichtig bist, wenn du auf Trails unterwegs bist, die man nicht gewohnt ist. Lieber mit Umsicht geniessen, statt sich unnötig zu riskieren!
Liebe Grüsse and die Ostsee!
“A lovely surprise” – dafür fehlt ein bisschen eine deutsche und genauso passende Übersetzung. Indeed! Und sooo wahnsinnig “easy” finde ich 25 Kilometer in diesem Gelände nicht – da wäre ich mit einer “sub 10h” völlig zufrieden (wandernd 😉
Du fliegst doch sowieso schon, finde ich 🪽
Haha, genau! Vielleicht ein ironisches “welche Überraschung!”
Und ja, die 25km (eigentlich waren es 24km am Schluss) waren nicht wirklich easy…. ich bin aber sicher, du hättest eine sub-5 hingekriegt!
Naja, im Vergleich zu den Bergziegen war das eher ein Runter-Tölpeln… aber immerhin ohne gebrochene Beine!
I think 2 minutes can be categorized as margin of error – who even bothers with minutes when the event takes HOURS? Seriously. 😀
I’ve been doing a lot of stair exercises lately (there’s an excellent 200+ step staircase next to a downhill skiing hill near our home), so I can feel your pain especially going down! Why is it ten times worse than going up, even with neat and sturdy wooden stairs, not to mention muddy wet hills?
Ah Riitta! I was actually thinking of you just yesterday! We watched a documentary about a Sami family in Finland and how they live with their reindeer – so fascinating, especially the ice fishing.
And yes, those 2 minutes? Totally delete-worthy! 😅
Those stairs sound brutal – I completely feel the downhill pain. Why is going down always ten times worse? Some cruel law of physics, I swear! But huge kudos to you for tackling them both ways – that’s an epic workout!
Liebe Catrina,
uff, was für ein Lauf! Gelände, Untergrund, Nebelwetter, Mitläufer. Aber grandios hast du das gemeistert! Glückwunsch für deine tolle Zeit.
Na und der Überraschungsgast Kai! Das finde ich ja lustig. Auch wenn dir damit dann der Supporter fehlte, aber es war sicher für euch beide auch einmal ein nettes Abenteuer!
Die Landschaft ist ja phantastisch rund um Engelberg. Da finde ich es immer schade, dass man keine Zeit zum Schauen hat. Aber ihr konntet ja schon zuvor dort äs Cüpli geniessen… 😉
Eine schöne Medaille übrigens, nicht 08/15 wie sonst oft.
Liebe Grüße
Elke
Liebe Elke,
Ja, genau! Es war sehr anstrengend, aber wir waren auch sehr glücklich danach. Da weiss man wenigstens, was man gemacht hat!
Kai als Überraschungsgast war schon lustig! Aber Trix war ein grandioser Ersatz, sie hat es tatsächlich geschafft, uns 3x zu sehen – wahrscheinlich hat sie mehr Kilometer und Höhenmeter als wir gemacht!
Wirklich schade, dass es neblig war und zu hektisch, um die Landschaft wirklich zu geniessen. Aber es wäre eine schöne Wanderung, die müssen wir eines Tages machen. Und dann selbstverständlich mit Cüpli!!
Die Medaille ist krass! Vielleicht lag es auch daran, dass der Organisator eine Firma aus England war. Die legen vermutlich mehr Wert auf Glanz und Gloria als die sachlichen Schweizer.
Liebe Grüsse aus dem sonnigen Zürich!
Great fun on the trails. Totally different from road races. I love trails because they are about getting to the finish safely without a worry a time. Lots of camaraderie. You have to negotiate mud, water, downhills, uphills, narrow trails, rocks, roots & even fallen trees. So much more technical and interesting than asphalt!
Hah yes you only see poo if you look down there!😅💦 Don’t look!😅💦 Just don’t drop your phone down there!.
🎊Congratulations on your 2nd place AG! We will pretend there was AGs!😅💦
Thanks so much, Yves! 😄 I completely agree – trails are a whole different world compared to road races. So much more technical, challenging, and fun, and yes… all about getting to the finish in one piece!
Haha, exactly! Don’t look down! Kai was horrified that I included this detail in the post! Now all I will think about next time is not dropping my phone!! 😅💦
Exactly, let’s pretend! Thanks for the AG cheer! 😄🎊
Kai is the best! I am afraid to fall as my ankles are not stables, thus while I love the scenery of trail races, I don’t do many unless it’s “safe”, especially the flying down, not sure I will ever learn.
Absolutely, Coco – Kai really is the best! 😄
I totally get what you mean. My ankles aren’t the most stable either, so while I love the scenery of trail races, I slow down to a crawl on the downhill. I’m not sure I’ll ever master the flying down part, either!
Liebe Catrina,
oh, was für ein Lauf! Herrlich – das nächste Mal nimmst du aber ein Langschwert mit, um dich gegen die stöckeschwingenden MitläuferInnen verteidigen zu können! 😀
Was für eine super Überraschung, dass Kai sich klammheimlich angemeldet hat – ich gratuliere euch beiden zu den tollen Ergebnissen.
Und Bergziege muss man wohl im Sternzeichen sein, lernen kann man das nicht. 😉
Genau, oder so ein Leuchtschwert aus Star Wars, das macht wenigstens Eindruck! Was für ein Chaos das war. Auch unterwegs musste ich mich immer hüten, den Stöcke-Schwingern zu nahe zu kommen. Um mich herum habe ich sehr oft “Tschuldigung” gehört – offensichtlich war ich nicht die einzige, die getroffen wurde.
Es war wirklich cool, dass Kai mitgemacht hat – so macht es viel mehr Spass.
Ha, du sagst es treffend! Bergziege muss in die Wiege gelegt sein… ich lerne das Downhillern definitv nicht mehr!
Oh, see this would be my kind of race! What fun is order and clean, dry roads? Give me mud and chaos any day. Plus hiking/walking is acceptable. lol Sounds like a fun race but what a challenge! Of course, you killed it. Was there beer at the finish line, I hope? :p
Great job Catrina!
I completely agree, Wendy! There’s something oddly relaxing about mud and chaos. I loved the hiking sections too, though I’m definitely more of a slow-hiker than a speed-hiker…
Oh my goodness, there was an alcohol-free beer at the finish – but according to Kai, it was ghastly, more like medicine than refreshment. We saw several people pour theirs onto the grass, so clearly he wasn’t the only one who thought so.
At least there was bread and cheese to make up for it!
Well done!!! While it looks quite scenic, the steps inclines (and scary downhills) would be tough. I love your game of “goats,” LOL.
Thanks, Kim! The scenery was amazing, but those downhills definitely kept me busy. And yes… the “goat game” was intense – trying to catch all those speedy downhill goats later on was quite the workout!
Wow, what a great undertaking for you and your friends, and I love that Kai tried to surprise you by secretly registering to run as well. Your description of runners yanking out their walking poles and waving them around like weapons at the base of the first climb had me wide-eyed. It’s good to know that no runners were lost in the chaos, or at least none that you mentioned.
Congrats on your fantastic finish!
Kai’s little surprise definitely added to the adventure – it’s way more fun when he joins in. And Trix did an amazing job supporting us, managing to catch us at three different spots along the course.
And oh yes… the pole chaos at the first climb was something else! I heard so many “oops, sorry” flying around – clearly I wasn’t the only one nearly getting skewered. 😅
Thanks for the congrats – it was tough but such an incredible experience!
That’s so sweet that Kai was going to surprise you. And what a great finish. Very frustrating to be so close to the 3 hr mark, I’m sure, but it looks like wild conditions. So emerging unscathed is the most important part of all!!
And those views. Stunning!
Thanks so much, Elisabeth!
Kai’s surprise definitely made the whole experience even more fun. And yes, being so close to the 3-hour mark was a bit frustrating, but with all that muddy downhill, I was just glad that I – and the other friends – made it through without broken bones. The medical staff certainly had their hands full at the finish line!
And those views… fabulous, even with the lingering fog. We really need to go back for a proper hike so we can enjoy the area at a more leisurely pace. This would be a perfect hike for your family, too!
I love the low key vibe of trail races and the amazing aid stations with salty potatoes and coke and such. But I am very prone to tripping so I nearly always fall when doing a trail race! So I tend to avoid them and stick to the road! And the downhills are extra hard for me given my clumsiness. I am not great at downhills in general. My running club coaches worked on technique for downhill stretches but I never got great at it. And on rough terrain – forget about it!!
This area looks so gorgeous! I really want to spend an extended amount of time in Switzerland someday when I am retired! The views are gorgeous!
Thanks so much, Lisa! I’m the same – I love the atmosphere of trail races, but the tripping risk (and especially the downhills) makes me very cautious. I don’t think I’ll ever master that technique either, no matter how much I practise. At least the hiking parts make up for it!
And yes, Switzerland really is beautiful for exploring – I would love to be your tour guide when you visit when you’re retired! All the hikes we could do!
I am adding ‘long trip to Switzerland’ to my list of post-retirement things to do!! 🙂
Absolutely! Make it worthwhile, Lisa!
Catrina! This sounds like an AMAZING ADVENTURE! Okay, there were a few hazards- but isn’t it more fun than a boring old road race? : )
To answer your question- I do think flying downhill can be learned. But I have zero experience with hills, living in flat South Florida. Even when I go to trail races in central Florida with moderate little hills, I’m afraid to run down them because I’m just not used to it.
You did great, and the photos are amazing.
Thanks so much, Jenny! Oh yes, definitely more fun than a boring road race – bruises and near-impalement by hiking poles just add to the excitement.
You’re right about the downhill flying… in theory it can be learned, even at my age. But honestly, the Florida flats sound far more appealing – no bones to break, no ankles to twist!
Liebe Catrina,
herzlichen Glückwunsch an euch beide! Sehr gut gemacht! Da ihr eine Ersatz-Supporterin hattet, war es doch sicherlich toll, dass ihr euch mal wieder einen Lauf ‘gemeinsam’ erlaufen konntet! … und die schöne Medaille habt ihr euch hart erarbeitet und redlich verdient!
Da ihr vorher das Bergambiente genießen konntet, hatten doch Nebel und verhangene Trails was ganz besonderes! Ich mag es, da es was Mystisches an hat, bin doch Fan von bestimmten (guten) Fantasy-Filme! – Aber diese (ungeübten) Stöckle-Schwinger und Fersen- und Fußstecher mag ich auch nicht, obwohl ich schon Stöcke bei Bergläufen benutzt hab, hab nur nie jemanden behindert, noch getroffen, oder verletzt! Für ne 3stündige Belastung über 24 / 25 km ist in Frage zu stellen, ob Stöcke nötig sind!?! – Krass finde ich, dass kürzere Bergläufe oft als Basic-Trails bezeichnet werden. Basic ist für mich was anderes!
Aber Bergablaufen kann definitiv gelernt werden, auch wenn man es nicht so wie Kilian Jornat ‘übertreiben’ muss. Er hat wohl mal gesagt, beim Bergablaufen den Oberkörper nach vorne legen und losstürmen! Naja, wenn er meint! 😆 Aber dazu gehört, dass man erst mal den Respekt etwas ablegen muss! Wenn das nicht gelingt, dann lieber ruhiger tun, wie ich es heute eher machen würde. Früher bin ich auch einfach drauflosgestürmt und war irritiert, wenn andere so lange brauchten und mich nicht vorbeiließen!
Zu meinen schnelleren Zeiten liebte ich die Straßenläufe, da geht’s dann richtig schnell ab. Später bin ich lieber raus in die Natur auf Trails oder am besten in die Berge. Leider muss man von hieraus doch länger fahren! 😥
Genießt die Schweiz!
Liebe Grüße Manfred
Lieber Manfred,
Es war wirklich schön, dass wir den Lauf wieder einmal gemeinsam erleben konnten – und mit Trix hatten wir eine ideale Supporterin, die uns dreimal an der Strecke anfeuerte.
Den Nebel habe ich auch genossen, er gab der ganzen Strecke etwas Geheimnisvolles. Und es war auch gut für die kühlen Temperaturen – perfekt für diesen Lauf.
Genau das habe ich auch gedacht! Wer braucht für 25km Stöcke? Und wenn, dann muss man sie gekonnt einsetzen. In so einem dichten Feld haben diese Dinger einfach nur gestört.
Da hast du schon recht – mit viel Training und Geduld kann man das Downhillern lernen. Irgendwann muss ich diesen „Kilian-Schalter“ finden – es wäre schon sehr cool, einfach runterzustürmen.
Deine Entwicklung von der Strasse hin zu den Trails kann ich sehr gut nachvollziehen. Trailrunning in den Bergen hat seinen ganz eigenen Reiz. Ich wünsche dir, dass du in den nächsten Jahren noch ein paar Bergläufe einbauen kannst – für dich als Power-Marschierer wie gemacht!
Liebe Grüsse aus dem fast-herbstlichen Zürich!
Kai is so sweet.
I love the scenery of trails. But no, I’d fall and break something.
Running downhill would scare the sh##t out of me.
God for you! Love your adventures!
Kai really is the sweetest.
I love trail scenery too… but the moment it gets steep, I’d probably faceplant. Downhills? Pure terror! 😅
The classic “Catrina saw a mountain, then Catrina raced the mountain”. I love that Kai registered as a surprise. Yay for smoking out the young ‘uns at the end!
Downhills are scary, and once you add in the mud it just gets worse. Congrats on staying upright!
Kai’s surprise made it even better, and yes… quietly reeling in the speedy young goats at the end was deliciously satisfying!
So glad I didn’t break my legs in the process!
I am not coordinated enough to run on technical trails, so streets feel much safer! How fun that Kai surprised you and joined the race! Congrats!
I feel the same way, Lisa! It was so nice that Kai joined – the more, the merrier, right?
This was so entertaining to read! Medieval jousting! Mountain goat-like youth! The tables turning! Congratulations on a great time and wow, what a gorgeous trail. I have said this before, but wow parts of the Alps look so much like the Rockies. It reminds me of home! I love that mountain air and freshness. How fun for Kai to join you too.
I really identify with Tatjana – I feel the same way about porta potties!
I also identify with slipping and sliding downhill. I feel strong going uphill but my downhills are super slow. And a steep slippery downhill? I’d also be clinging onto anything I could!
Congrats again, that is an impressive finish!
Thanks, Nicole! Honestly, with all that jousting and goat-leaping youth, I half expected someone to shout “Let the tournament begin!”
I really need to get to the Rockies one day. I guess they are also much bigger in terms of area compared to the European Alps.
Haha, Kai was horrified that I put in the poo-bit in the text, but I told him that sometimes you have to also tell about the ugly parts. But I’m totally with you (and Tatjana) – they are vile (medieval conditions indeed!)
So glad you came along for the ride – thanks for cheering me on!
I love trail races. Or, I used to. My footing is not what it used to be (no more bounding downhill for me!) and I trip a lot. You should see my knees! I giggled thinking about the medieval jousting tournament when everyone pulled out their poles. Sounds dangerous!
Thanks, Debbie! Haha, yes – that jousting scene with all the poles really did feel like medieval combat. I totally get you on the footing, too. I still like the trails, but those downhills can turn into a real tripping hazard these days. You will need to give us a close-up of your battle scars on your knees one day!
What scenery! Looks like a fabulous race. I completed a 28K trail race with approximately 750m of elevation gain and loss, including lots of stairs and some rough technical up and downhills. It was tough, and I’m not sure I will go back, but I generally enjoy doing trails because of the scenery and the relaxed feel. I like both trails and roads and would like to do some more trail runs. I’ve managed to fall over twice while running along the flat wooden boardwalk near our house, so I do worry about falling. However, I somehow managed not to do that during the trail race I did (I had some close calls), especially when I almost fell over the guy who fell over directly in front of me). I’m sure flying downhill can be learned. I know I’ve learned to hike downhill more efficiently, so I assume you could do the same with running. I guess quick, light steps are the answer, but it would take a lot of practice to get good at it, I think—or a love of danger.
Hi Melissa, thanks so much for stopping by!
Wow, your 28K trail race sounds fantastic – 750m of elevation and all those stairs, that’s no joke. Trails definitely have their own brand of “fun,” don’t they? The scenery always makes up for the suffering, though.
I had to laugh at you tripping on the boardwalk but staying upright on the real trails – I can totally relate! Sometimes it feels like the “easy” bits are the trickiest. And yes, I agree, downhill running must be learnable with practice (or maybe just a dash of recklessness!).
Heading over to your blog to get to know you!
I love the contrast in your different experiences of the mountain! Those elevation profiles look serious!That medal is pretty thought!
It was nice to experience it in a relaxed and in a stressed way, Coco! I don’t know which I prefer, though!
I usually don’t keep medals, but I think I’ll hang on to this one (at least for a while)!
Oh my goodness! How beautiful! I am in awe of the fog and those mountains!!!!
I love the idea of trail races, but I’m so scared of twisting my bad ankle. Of course, if I would just do more work on trails, I’m sure I would feel more confident, but that’s the rub isn’t it?
Congratulations! And I love that Kai surprised you!
We really enjoyed the run, Jenn!
Oh, yes, the twisting-the-ankle fear is real! I have a road race coming up next weekend, and I feel a bit more comfortable about that.
Have a great Sunday!
Tolle Kulisse wieder mal für ein tolles Rennen! Da habt ihr echt ein Händchen für. Herzlichen Glückwunsch für euer Finish, gut gemacht! Toll auch dass sich Kai als Überraschungsteilnehmer angemeldet hat!
Ich bin ja nicht so der Trailläufer, aber mit Stöcken beim Laufen umzugehen, das will gelernt sein. Ich hab welche und brauchte die erst einmal, auf Madeiras wilden Levada-Trails (und hab mich anfangs ziemlich dämlich damit angestellt). Das ist Jahre her und seitdem liegen die hier rum. Und zwischendurch bin ich schon ein paar wilde Sachen gelaufen wo andere Stöckeschwinger unterwegs waren. Auf deinen Fotos ist jedenfalls nichts zu sehen dass Stöcke zwingend notwendig machen würde. Das wäre dann wohl auch ein wichtiger Ausrüstungspunkt in der Ausschreibung gewesen.
Aber Downhill rennen, das kann ich und mag das auch. Und ja, das ist lernbar, sofern die Gelenke stark genug sind 😉
Ja, die Bergwelt rund um Luzern gefällt mir sehr – und vor allem sehr nah an Zürich. Kais als Überraschungs-Teilnehmer war genial. Ein Lauf zu zweit macht gleich noch mehr Spass, und es gibt danach viel zu diskutieren.
Haha, ich kann gut nachvollziehen, was du über die Stöcke erzählst! Das siehst du richtig, für diesen Lauf waren Stöcke nicht nötig. Für die längeren Einheiten (100km) macht es schon Sinn, aber sicher nicht für 24km. Wer weiss, vielleicht kommen deine Stöcke nächstes Jahr im Einsatz??
So schätze ich dich auch ein, als voll-Profi-Downhiller. Ist einfach cool, wenn man das kann!!
It has been several years since I have run a road race, Catrina. Amazing finishing time with tough conditions. And so cool Kai also ran this.
I have some difficulty with steeper descents as my reaction time is getting slower. I definitely would be clinging to trees.
Imagine if I hadn’t spotted Kai’s name on the list – finding out only on race day would’ve been wild!
And yes, I’m with you on the downhills… I’ve had my fair share of “tree-hugging” saves. We much prefer the peaceful kind of tree hugging, don’t we, Carl?
Yes, we sure do, Catrina. 😀🌳
Those views! I love your trail adventures. I have not run a trail race yet, but maybe one day!
I hope you do, San! There must be some wonderful trails in your area!
Oh goodness Katrina! Congrats on such a strong performance on that “fun little” course! Haha! I love that they put the cable car on the medal. Such gorgeous scenery though through all the agony of climbing and mud. How great your parents were able to hike up there. I’m sure the cake was lovely!
Thanks, Marcia! Yes, “fun little course” made me laugh too! The cable car on the medal was a cheeky reminder of what we could’ve done instead of climbing. 😅
My parents loved the hike (though I suspect they were secretly glad they weren’t slogging through mud). And the cake was worth every step!
What a crew for the start of Engelberg 25k! And a lovely surprise from Kai too. Well done to you both. That big climb must have been great to get out of the way (once you descended!) I’ve had that feeling of joust in the Snowdonia races here in North Wales. Crowds of people with trekking poles. I’ve learned to keep my distance a little bit from those in front of me, as there are chances of the bite or tips slipping on rocks and force from the user sending them flying backwards behind. Easy to take out eyes!
I do think that descending well is a learned skill. Sometimes I feel good at it, other times I feel terrible. In general I’m better on the climbs though! And of course trails will always be my favourite!
I have a 25k trail of very similar stats to this booked – Ultra-Trail Snowdonia (UTS) 25k. I’ve done the 50k, the 100k, and now I am going for the 25k – it feels like I’ll have a much more enjoyable morning in the mountains rather than a all day slog the others provide!
Thanks, Sean! Yes, Kai’s surprise definitely made the start line more entertaining. And oh yes… that first climb felt brutal going up, but at least the descent let me redeem myself a little.
Haha, I totally get the Snowdonia jousting vibe! Those poles are lethal in the wrong hands, I was zig-zagging like crazy to avoid impalement. Eye protection should really be mandatory.
I think you are right – descending well is a skill. I just need to practice it more! Your upcoming 25k sounds perfect – I see it’s going to be in May next year. Short, scenic and not an all-day slog. Speaking of slogs, I’m tracking some friends who are doing the Transalpine Race this year – my goodness, I could never do that, but I think this would suit you perfectly! Have you ever thought about it?
The Transalpine race looks amazing. You’re right it suits the type of adventure/race I really enjoy. I had a look through the days, and Day 3 looks like a tough day out, but at least they taper things off for Day 4 and 5, before getting heavier again on 6 and 7.
That’s going to be a fun week tracking your friends take that on. I would be interested to see how everyone does on Day 3 onward. Another one for the list!
Absolutely, Sean! I can see you doing this. Definitely one to add to the bucket list, the scenery alone is worth it!
Day 3 is definitely a beast, 50k and 3’000m of climbing, and apparently the trails are very technical, too. Day 4 was a planned lighter day, and they had to shorten day 5 because of the bad weather.
I’m excited to follow my friends too. It’s always fun cheering from the comfy couch from afar, haha!