In the Mountains

Seems like a long two weeks so far, but only half way through the training in the mountains. My cold has gone away, but the after affects are still holding on. At least now I can start some speed training which has been missing the last two weeks.

A debate has been going on whether to start the race or not, the cut-off times along the way are pretty tight and if I am not 100% the chance of making it in the allotted time is questionable. Right now I am leaning towards just starting and not worrying on whether I will get there on time.

Here are some details about the race, it starts in Interlaken at 568 meters (1863 feet)  and is kind of flat, only 800 feet elevation gain for the first 25 km (15.5 miles) and I need to be there in 2 hours and 49 minutes (10.9 min/miles average). Then from there it goes up real steep, like straight up for 1.5 miles (1545 feet). After that it keeps going up, sort of rolling until the last bit where it really steep at the highest point by the Eiger Glacier, the elevation gain in that section is 2680 feet with the high point at 2100 meters, just over 7000 feet. Total race elevation gain is 5025 feet in the 26.2 miles. Whoa, the cut-off is 6.5 hours, it will be close, but I will give it all I have.

I am still having trouble with the photos, but will meet with a tech guy after I am back from Austria. I am now in a wonderful running and hiking area in Tirol north of Innsbruck.

Glad to see photos of many of you working out. The Tuesday run group and strength groups are going strong. If you have had a leisurely two weeks so far and haven't been running, biking, hiking or planking (or whatever you like to do) TIME to get out there and do something. Send me photos and notes, love to hear from you and see what you are doing.

Betty and Susanna, Heidi and Fritz, as well as Mike and Merilyn will all be starting off on their European hiking adventures soon too. Good luck to all of them. And Niki and Mari have the High Pass Challenge on Monday - GO TEAM

Happy workouts - Cheryl