Skyrace du Rocher Blanc
After our adventure in the English Lake District it was time to take it a bit easier (see -> The Bob Graham Round)
Sam has had a metal plate inserted into his ankle and fastened with a few screws. He remains very motivated and every day he is a little better on his feet. (oh and the walls have been painted and the planned move is now in sight with only a small delay..).
Meanwhile at the beginning of August, I went on holiday for some R+R+R
About time to take a closer look at that niggling hamstring injury. Even though an 8-hour car ride was not really conducive to the healing process, driving south always makes me feel relaxed.
By incorporating compression, hot-cold technique, mobilization, self-massage and then gradually some light strength exercises, I started to move normally again.
Just in time to celebrate some Natural Movement skills with our kids.
Jumping, swimming, climbing, walking, abseiling, it's all covered during a Canyoning session in the beautiful Picos de Europa.
The real test actually came in the morning before our Canyoning adventure. I had planned a trip to explore the area and to see if I could start running again.
Before the rest of the campsite started to wake up, I left quietly and still not quite sure of my form. Once out of the small village in the valley I started the climb and once beyond the tree line a beautiful landscape opened up.
Trees were swapped out for a rougher terrain covered in rocks, with here and there a chamois (mountain goat) checking you out from afar with a slightly bemused look as you conquer the many meters of altitude with some effort.
From hiking to climbing, jumping from rock to rock and then starting to run gently every now and then. A beautiful terrain and the ideal preparation for an upcoming race.
That morning run of 21 km with an altitude of 1300 meters gave me enough confidence to be at the start line of 'Le Skyrace du Rocher Blanc', part of the Echapée Belle, 2 weeks later.
Although I must admit that my confidence in moving smoothly, light-footedly, quickly over rocks took a hit after I experienced up close what had happened to Sam's ankle.
But first a week at the beach. Learn to surf in the Atlantic Ocean and do some training in the morning on the highest dune in Europe (Dune du Pilat).
The 3 km long dune reaches up to 105 meters in height and has a width of approximately 600m. It is the perfect dune to have your legs begging for mercy in a very short time. 1 'flying' step down requires 6 small difficult steps back up in the loose sand. Lactic acid on demand!
A high stride frequency is therefore recommended, even on flat ground. After all, large, heavy steps cost you extra energy because you sink deeper into the loose sand. Occasionally training barefoot in the loose sand is an excellent way to improve your running technique.
On Friday, August 22, at 9:30 am, I was at the start of the Skyrace with 200 others and it started to rain. Nothing remarkable in itself, although they had promised 35 degrees and a sky without clouds that day. In the high mountains you never know.
This year, the other distances of this Echapée Belle were shortened or canceled altogether, and a heavy thunderstorm was predicted from Friday evening.
But we were still safe. The rain provided a welcome cooling effect and once we had left, the sun came out again.
21km, from the valley of Le Haut Breda (928m above sea level) via the deep blue lakes of Les sept eaux all the way to Le Rocher Blanc at 2928m altitude (see video).
Once above 2000m I completely came into my element. While I saw others slow down and many of them start to lose their altitude, I was doing better and better.
The many altitude meters and dune training of recent weeks paid off. And thanks to the Oxygen Advantage breathing exercises, I turned out to be able to cope well with the reduced oxygen levels.
Although the view and the slightly thinner air above were breathtaking, I was still somewhat disappointed. After the (long) descent that followed, the race would already be over. That's what you have with those 'shorter' distances ;)
So, I tried to enjoy it as much as possible but still with enough focus to reach the valley safely.
As the tree line came closer, it became warmer, warmer and hot again. It was a pleasant refreshment to run through the river before reaching the finish.
A nice ending to an eventful summer. Time to let everything sink in and then make (running) plans for next year :)
Are you looking for a challenging trail in a somewhat rougher landscape with less trodden paths, fantastic views and a warm atmosphere?
Then be sure to check out the trails that Echappé belle offers. Various distances available, something for everyone.
Want to soak up the atmosphere from home? Watch the summary video of the Skyrace Du Rocher Blanc here.