Transalpine 2012 Blog
Transalpine 2012 Day 8
LAST DAY 320km DONE!
From Niederdorf nach Sexten, in South Tirol, ITALY! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!
Today almost felt like a rest day with 32km and 1300m of climbing...I woke up stuffed up and a little chesty..as I know many others did. But it didn't matter..this is the last day..and it's being done NO MATTER WHAT! There were NO dropouts on the last day.
First 15km only running mostly flat...then it was one long climb over the Drei Sinnen Mountain (very famous spot - with 3 Dolomite peaks jutting up into the sky!) and one long descent (love those! Simone hates those) and then 8km flat pouring into the finish!
I welled up with tears of joy kms before the finish as we were nearing the end of another TRANSALPINE done...all the peaks and hard climbs and aches and pains and highs and lows and the confirmation again of many miracles that continue to happen.... and amazing friends made...is all coming to a peak here....suddenly our speed got faster at the 6km to go mark...just because...we didn't care ...we're coming home! Who cares what we feel now!
We flew into the finish and held our 4th Place overall Women FINISH!
A support crew of friends came for this day to cheer us on the mountain and at the finish...we ran into a slew of hugs and body swings...and of course very soon after - CHAMPAGNE! Yes the PARTY started right there in the finish of Sexten, Italy. A hot day filled with elation...the energy was astounding...You feel you know everybody well..yet you don't.
The realization of what such an amazing event this is..overwhelming on all levels. I have never accomplished anything so hard, so mentally challenging..yet so incredibly uplifting and rewarding at the same time.
After a couple glasses of champagne and a radler (beer with sprite, I love).I was fading and falling asleep. We headed off to CAMP - just like last year, we stay at camp for the last night (camp is where most athletes stay for the week - which is a huge hall or gymnasium where everybody sleeps on a mattress and sleeping bag..in other words..the constant humm of many snores amongst 400 people or so fills the air as well as many other things - people are awoken at 530 to the sound of a litte cowbell that one crazy nut rings in the morning.)
OFF TO final PASTA PARTY - PICS and VIDEO PARTY - Finisher shirt stage appearance and of course my fave THE DANCING! So I whipped of my running stuff and put on my FAV funky dress (I think I was the only one)..and I am ready NOT to look at running stuff for awhile..I think. The dancing went late and then a little later and basically I did not come back to sleep at all. Had a fantastic time with the Spanish group of guys Was an interesting joy filled night! I will deeply miss all the people here. Once you have done something like this together, you have a bond that never leaves and a total understanding of each other no matter what the level. It was very sad leaving camp and the site of Sexten. Crazy enough, I know I will see a lot of them again.
You would think I would want to stop right now...but the body feels good, the legs feel great and I was ready for another mountain climb today and run...but the lack of sleep held me back from that. The body actually adapts so well and wants to continue on with what it is used to doing. So the next two days are two big hikes and runs...then FLY HOME...Need a couple days to deflate my body again...so much water retention.
My last two days of Rietzer, Tirolerish indulgence...and to digest everything that went on this summer..it was a whirlwind of exceptional, unforgettable experiences..in so many different settings.
LIFE COULDN"T BE RICHER...
One last question - WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN ME AS A TEAM PARTNER for TRANSALPINE next year? What? Am I crazy? Yes crazy enough to probably do it again.
Or who would like to train for something like this, this year, and GO FOR IT? If you are keen...let me help you...I can help you find a comparable partner too.
See you all very soon back home!
Love Karrie
From Niederdorf nach Sexten, in South Tirol, ITALY! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!
Today almost felt like a rest day with 32km and 1300m of climbing...I woke up stuffed up and a little chesty..as I know many others did. But it didn't matter..this is the last day..and it's being done NO MATTER WHAT! There were NO dropouts on the last day.
First 15km only running mostly flat...then it was one long climb over the Drei Sinnen Mountain (very famous spot - with 3 Dolomite peaks jutting up into the sky!) and one long descent (love those! Simone hates those) and then 8km flat pouring into the finish!
I welled up with tears of joy kms before the finish as we were nearing the end of another TRANSALPINE done...all the peaks and hard climbs and aches and pains and highs and lows and the confirmation again of many miracles that continue to happen.... and amazing friends made...is all coming to a peak here....suddenly our speed got faster at the 6km to go mark...just because...we didn't care ...we're coming home! Who cares what we feel now!
We flew into the finish and held our 4th Place overall Women FINISH!
A support crew of friends came for this day to cheer us on the mountain and at the finish...we ran into a slew of hugs and body swings...and of course very soon after - CHAMPAGNE! Yes the PARTY started right there in the finish of Sexten, Italy. A hot day filled with elation...the energy was astounding...You feel you know everybody well..yet you don't.
The realization of what such an amazing event this is..overwhelming on all levels. I have never accomplished anything so hard, so mentally challenging..yet so incredibly uplifting and rewarding at the same time.
After a couple glasses of champagne and a radler (beer with sprite, I love).I was fading and falling asleep. We headed off to CAMP - just like last year, we stay at camp for the last night (camp is where most athletes stay for the week - which is a huge hall or gymnasium where everybody sleeps on a mattress and sleeping bag..in other words..the constant humm of many snores amongst 400 people or so fills the air as well as many other things - people are awoken at 530 to the sound of a litte cowbell that one crazy nut rings in the morning.)
OFF TO final PASTA PARTY - PICS and VIDEO PARTY - Finisher shirt stage appearance and of course my fave THE DANCING! So I whipped of my running stuff and put on my FAV funky dress (I think I was the only one)..and I am ready NOT to look at running stuff for awhile..I think. The dancing went late and then a little later and basically I did not come back to sleep at all. Had a fantastic time with the Spanish group of guys Was an interesting joy filled night! I will deeply miss all the people here. Once you have done something like this together, you have a bond that never leaves and a total understanding of each other no matter what the level. It was very sad leaving camp and the site of Sexten. Crazy enough, I know I will see a lot of them again.
You would think I would want to stop right now...but the body feels good, the legs feel great and I was ready for another mountain climb today and run...but the lack of sleep held me back from that. The body actually adapts so well and wants to continue on with what it is used to doing. So the next two days are two big hikes and runs...then FLY HOME...Need a couple days to deflate my body again...so much water retention.
My last two days of Rietzer, Tirolerish indulgence...and to digest everything that went on this summer..it was a whirlwind of exceptional, unforgettable experiences..in so many different settings.
LIFE COULDN"T BE RICHER...
One last question - WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN ME AS A TEAM PARTNER for TRANSALPINE next year? What? Am I crazy? Yes crazy enough to probably do it again.
Or who would like to train for something like this, this year, and GO FOR IT? If you are keen...let me help you...I can help you find a comparable partner too.
See you all very soon back home!
Love Karrie
Transalpine 2012 Day 7
Nearing the end of the ROAD and a very HUMBLING day... Almost 42km and over 2200m of climbing
TEAM ISA ENERGI...maintains their spot of 4th place...there are only 10 women teams left out of 30 that started! CRAZY
We had the most amazing Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Carmen! I can't believe we had to rush it in again and run down to the start! St. Vigil is stunning...I am coming back here ...when I can just hang and climb.
With over 50% of Teams now out of the race...that is an insane amount...150 teams left take on Day 7....
The puffy bee stung eye has very little puff left...but my body sure does...I feel somewhat swelled everywhere and my legs feel like tree trunks, like having done about 10,000 lunges or step ups
With the most beautiful of scenery and stunning views Simone and I both struggled through this second last stage. Having felt so good yesterday, I know I went lighter on my water and other things...
Starting at 1200m high..we stood and waited in 5 degree weather..in Start BLOCK A again with all the Hot Shotties!
Whoooooaaa the first 5-10km were brutal...I was thinking...is this body going to be able to finish today...And the climbs were tough...but with one foot after the other..and with not much left in the tank...we plug through. We run anywhere possible, so the kms go by faster.
People hobbling along everywhere...all taped up ...different injuries. I believe there are so many people that just are not prepared...especially on the downs...AND people that just go too hard the first few days.
This Event is a great METAPHOR for life..full of highs and lows of terrain and moods and body feel....sometimes you wonder 'HOW does it keep going?'...the body. But it's about staying the middle...don't get too excited on the highs or take the lows to dramatically...just be in the moment and take it all in with curiosity., laugh often...take some pictures and feel grateful for where you are. It truly is a MIRACLE - the BODY that is...and I say that during the run and coming in the finish - when we have the gas to hammer in...It's a MIRACLE how the body can adapt and just keep going. and has the strength to keep climbing steep passes...
When I am struggling I just think of the party on the last day with tons of dancing and music...from the finish line onwards...and that peps me up....or I just put a picture in my mind of the really nice looking ...super nice spanish runner..who speaks not a word of English...who I got to run with for a bit yesterday..on our good day!
With over 280km done and many metres of climbing we are ready to finish. When we first start in the morning..you think...i just can't go again...and then you do. The lead legs start to loosen up and work for you again. Simone and I both felt irritated at each other and in general today...little things would drive us nuts. We both had nothing left coming in for the finish...but once again strong finish from the 8km mark in...Simone dove into a corner and had a moment...she is DONE...some tears shed...just had enough of it! NEVER AGAIN..completely finished.. Didn't want to talk to anyone..I knew it was a combo of 'DONE with IT" and hormones..for sure. Oddly enough..as she let out her frustation..deep down I knew...there will come a time when we WILL do it again and come Monday, we will miss the whole event, the energy, the feel, the people and the whole experience.
You must check out the PICS on site..they are incredible, the landscape is incredible. The course, so amazing, so tough...I am grateful to be here, not be injured and still be in.
The Last day is upon us and so hard to believe. Like last year, I believe I won't want to stop after tomorrow..because once you take a break from this..the body will go down somewhat.
Time to get some ZZZZ...tomorrow is only 33km...and 1200m of ascent...we're getting it done...and then the DANCING begins...
Until then..
Karrie
TEAM ISA ENERGI...maintains their spot of 4th place...there are only 10 women teams left out of 30 that started! CRAZY
We had the most amazing Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Carmen! I can't believe we had to rush it in again and run down to the start! St. Vigil is stunning...I am coming back here ...when I can just hang and climb.
With over 50% of Teams now out of the race...that is an insane amount...150 teams left take on Day 7....
The puffy bee stung eye has very little puff left...but my body sure does...I feel somewhat swelled everywhere and my legs feel like tree trunks, like having done about 10,000 lunges or step ups
With the most beautiful of scenery and stunning views Simone and I both struggled through this second last stage. Having felt so good yesterday, I know I went lighter on my water and other things...
Starting at 1200m high..we stood and waited in 5 degree weather..in Start BLOCK A again with all the Hot Shotties!
Whoooooaaa the first 5-10km were brutal...I was thinking...is this body going to be able to finish today...And the climbs were tough...but with one foot after the other..and with not much left in the tank...we plug through. We run anywhere possible, so the kms go by faster.
People hobbling along everywhere...all taped up ...different injuries. I believe there are so many people that just are not prepared...especially on the downs...AND people that just go too hard the first few days.
This Event is a great METAPHOR for life..full of highs and lows of terrain and moods and body feel....sometimes you wonder 'HOW does it keep going?'...the body. But it's about staying the middle...don't get too excited on the highs or take the lows to dramatically...just be in the moment and take it all in with curiosity., laugh often...take some pictures and feel grateful for where you are. It truly is a MIRACLE - the BODY that is...and I say that during the run and coming in the finish - when we have the gas to hammer in...It's a MIRACLE how the body can adapt and just keep going. and has the strength to keep climbing steep passes...
When I am struggling I just think of the party on the last day with tons of dancing and music...from the finish line onwards...and that peps me up....or I just put a picture in my mind of the really nice looking ...super nice spanish runner..who speaks not a word of English...who I got to run with for a bit yesterday..on our good day!
With over 280km done and many metres of climbing we are ready to finish. When we first start in the morning..you think...i just can't go again...and then you do. The lead legs start to loosen up and work for you again. Simone and I both felt irritated at each other and in general today...little things would drive us nuts. We both had nothing left coming in for the finish...but once again strong finish from the 8km mark in...Simone dove into a corner and had a moment...she is DONE...some tears shed...just had enough of it! NEVER AGAIN..completely finished.. Didn't want to talk to anyone..I knew it was a combo of 'DONE with IT" and hormones..for sure. Oddly enough..as she let out her frustation..deep down I knew...there will come a time when we WILL do it again and come Monday, we will miss the whole event, the energy, the feel, the people and the whole experience.
You must check out the PICS on site..they are incredible, the landscape is incredible. The course, so amazing, so tough...I am grateful to be here, not be injured and still be in.
The Last day is upon us and so hard to believe. Like last year, I believe I won't want to stop after tomorrow..because once you take a break from this..the body will go down somewhat.
Time to get some ZZZZ...tomorrow is only 33km...and 1200m of ascent...we're getting it done...and then the DANCING begins...
Until then..
Karrie
Transalpine 2012 Day 6
From Sand in Taufers, Italy to St. Vigil, Italy - 38.5km, 2200m of climbing up. In a Rhythm.... a Dream today
As TEAM ISA ENERGI waited in Start Block A today (yippeeee. we made it to the front and got to run with the Leader Jerseys) they only had 3 eyes to see with...as mine swelled right up in the early hours and looked like again (same as last year) like I had been in the ring with ROCKY....from a BEEEEEE... the ups and downs, highs and lows, heaven and hell...it's got it all....That's why this race is such an experience
Can't believe I went from feeling the WORST yesterday...to feeling the BEST today - strength, rhythm...like I could run forever (not climb forever though), like I am ready to go for it now (but each day IS a NEW day). Oddly enough, Simone and I tend to feel opposite from each other. I felt strong today and she felt crappy, yesterday she was good and I was not. She wants to hammer in the beginning of this and is strong for the first few days,,,then I kick in and get stronger on the last few days. My body must really know it has to run/climb 320km because I cannot go hard in the beginning...body won't let me. WE ARE A GOOD TEAM. We finished today in 6 hours and 12min. and moved up to 4th position.
This is a record year of DROPOUTS and continues to happen day after day. I bet you over 70 teams have dropped out. That means one person of the TEAM of two could not go on...so they are not counted anymore but the other can run individually if they want. The rescue tents are packed full in the mornings pre race and packed full again post race. I believe a lot hammer it in the first few days...and there bodies and injuries cannot hold up....I must say though...it is the hardest run/race I have ever done...and a test of hanging in there to the end....but worth every squeakin moment.
The body is a MIRACLE how it can adapt to things and kick in when it needs to keep you going until it knows you don't need to anymore. It's an ABSOLUTE range of everything here....Our moods, our energy, our appetites, our speed...one day..hobbling pain in my foot to none now...from complete hunched over exhaustion to leg bounding energy and an elated smile on your face flying down the mountain and in to the finish! From Simone laughing and talking to everyone en route...to today absolute silence, total frown and saying ' Never Again'! When GOD designed trails downhill running...he designed absolute MAGIC. The variance of a 5km stretch can be anywhere from less than 20min running fast downhill to 21/2 hours climbing uphill. 5km over a mountain peak is one heck of a long way....but when we see 5km from finish and we are running down or flat...we feel we are HOME now.
I am sitting here in ST. Vigil, Italy...a most gorgeous little South Tirolean village in the Dolomites, in a little cafe called CAFE Mutsch - indulging in not one but two double espresso Macchiatos...mmmmm, just outside the finish area. After 3 days of being shuttled around to our hotels, soon after we finished, I can finally relax and do my FAV thing (outside of doing CRAZY MOUNTAIN RUNS) to SIT and SAVOUR in a cafe....love it
Well the pain is not in my foot anymore...I am feeling my ability to push a bit is there...we are on the HOME STRETCH
Totally lucky to be here....Check out the absolute wicked PICS on the main website...the Photographers are the BEST I have ever seen...the pics they produce are like NONE OTHER....
Anyone getting the bug to do it next year yet????
Until tomorrow....end of Day 7...now my body is expecting to run a marathon a day....The sun will be shining in the DOLOMITES...onto to Niedersdorf...
Hugs to you all
Karrie
As TEAM ISA ENERGI waited in Start Block A today (yippeeee. we made it to the front and got to run with the Leader Jerseys) they only had 3 eyes to see with...as mine swelled right up in the early hours and looked like again (same as last year) like I had been in the ring with ROCKY....from a BEEEEEE... the ups and downs, highs and lows, heaven and hell...it's got it all....That's why this race is such an experience
Can't believe I went from feeling the WORST yesterday...to feeling the BEST today - strength, rhythm...like I could run forever (not climb forever though), like I am ready to go for it now (but each day IS a NEW day). Oddly enough, Simone and I tend to feel opposite from each other. I felt strong today and she felt crappy, yesterday she was good and I was not. She wants to hammer in the beginning of this and is strong for the first few days,,,then I kick in and get stronger on the last few days. My body must really know it has to run/climb 320km because I cannot go hard in the beginning...body won't let me. WE ARE A GOOD TEAM. We finished today in 6 hours and 12min. and moved up to 4th position.
This is a record year of DROPOUTS and continues to happen day after day. I bet you over 70 teams have dropped out. That means one person of the TEAM of two could not go on...so they are not counted anymore but the other can run individually if they want. The rescue tents are packed full in the mornings pre race and packed full again post race. I believe a lot hammer it in the first few days...and there bodies and injuries cannot hold up....I must say though...it is the hardest run/race I have ever done...and a test of hanging in there to the end....but worth every squeakin moment.
The body is a MIRACLE how it can adapt to things and kick in when it needs to keep you going until it knows you don't need to anymore. It's an ABSOLUTE range of everything here....Our moods, our energy, our appetites, our speed...one day..hobbling pain in my foot to none now...from complete hunched over exhaustion to leg bounding energy and an elated smile on your face flying down the mountain and in to the finish! From Simone laughing and talking to everyone en route...to today absolute silence, total frown and saying ' Never Again'! When GOD designed trails downhill running...he designed absolute MAGIC. The variance of a 5km stretch can be anywhere from less than 20min running fast downhill to 21/2 hours climbing uphill. 5km over a mountain peak is one heck of a long way....but when we see 5km from finish and we are running down or flat...we feel we are HOME now.
I am sitting here in ST. Vigil, Italy...a most gorgeous little South Tirolean village in the Dolomites, in a little cafe called CAFE Mutsch - indulging in not one but two double espresso Macchiatos...mmmmm, just outside the finish area. After 3 days of being shuttled around to our hotels, soon after we finished, I can finally relax and do my FAV thing (outside of doing CRAZY MOUNTAIN RUNS) to SIT and SAVOUR in a cafe....love it
Well the pain is not in my foot anymore...I am feeling my ability to push a bit is there...we are on the HOME STRETCH
Totally lucky to be here....Check out the absolute wicked PICS on the main website...the Photographers are the BEST I have ever seen...the pics they produce are like NONE OTHER....
Anyone getting the bug to do it next year yet????
Until tomorrow....end of Day 7...now my body is expecting to run a marathon a day....The sun will be shining in the DOLOMITES...onto to Niedersdorf...
Hugs to you all
Karrie
Transalpine 2012 Day 5
From Prettau, South Tirol, Italy to Sand in Taufers, Italy - GOOORGEOUS !
32km and 1821m of climbing..Coming out of the dark...and into the groove
From the time the 'Highway to Hell started playing 1min to Blast off time 8am...I could feel this would be a toughie...and I was right..We started with 10-15km of climbing (last part very steep) and was just a shuffling along...I know didnt drink enough water yesterday..and still waking up a bit nauseous... ran down to breakie today at 615 and had to wolf it in again as our bus was picking us up in 20min...First thing I am going to do when I get back to Rietz, Tirol is have a 3 hour Breakfast with all the fixins, my journal..you name it...Can;t stand rushing that...but comes with the event... (great breakie it was)...This chiquita was so slow and weak on all the uphills today (Simone was strong and had to wait) yet felt strong again on the downhills..like two different bodies. Again people were dropping out and/or not making the cut off times. Passed a girl on the steep climb up from Britain who had to pull over..just couldnt catch her breath....hyperventilating. Today felt like I was breathing through a straw and the BURN in the legs.... In Women division - we started with 30 teams and now we are down to 14..and we are sitting at 5th..Wow..happy with that...even with feeling weak today. There are so many strong climbers and runners out here and this course is even tougher than last year.
The landscape today was incredible...the photographers out on course are incredible..they get some wicked shots of us all as well as the helicopters above taking video.
Again..last 10km was our time to FLY! This is when the REAL DANCE begins! Very technical downhill today..was jumping all over the place...but that is the FUN part...My foot..no problems today...hmmm good drugs or little miracles...
With 2km to go...Simone did a wild FACE PLANT onto the gravol trail...@#$% we both yelled...it really knocked the wind out of her and sliced up her hands a bit..but within 30 sec or so, she was back at it...my tough girl....Then with 1km to go to the finish running on this narrow trail..I saw this thing beeline right towards my head! Yes it was a bee that darted and stuck the needle right in beside my eye..I had a little freak out ...and then off to the finish. 6 hours and 16min later TEAM ISA ENERGI came through! Loaded up on chocolate, cheese and even a couple pieces of meat! Unusual for a vegetarian! Craving salt..that was the first thing that loooked good, but don't tell anyone...
So here I am just about to go to bed with an eye puffed out like crazy...It's kind of funny because exactly a year ago on this very day..my other eye was black and blue and puffed out because of hitting it with the end of a hiking pole...now it's the other eye, on the other race course....hmmmmmmmmmm
Never a dull moment here...I AM LOVING IT!
Love K until tomorrow DAY 6
32km and 1821m of climbing..Coming out of the dark...and into the groove
From the time the 'Highway to Hell started playing 1min to Blast off time 8am...I could feel this would be a toughie...and I was right..We started with 10-15km of climbing (last part very steep) and was just a shuffling along...I know didnt drink enough water yesterday..and still waking up a bit nauseous... ran down to breakie today at 615 and had to wolf it in again as our bus was picking us up in 20min...First thing I am going to do when I get back to Rietz, Tirol is have a 3 hour Breakfast with all the fixins, my journal..you name it...Can;t stand rushing that...but comes with the event... (great breakie it was)...This chiquita was so slow and weak on all the uphills today (Simone was strong and had to wait) yet felt strong again on the downhills..like two different bodies. Again people were dropping out and/or not making the cut off times. Passed a girl on the steep climb up from Britain who had to pull over..just couldnt catch her breath....hyperventilating. Today felt like I was breathing through a straw and the BURN in the legs.... In Women division - we started with 30 teams and now we are down to 14..and we are sitting at 5th..Wow..happy with that...even with feeling weak today. There are so many strong climbers and runners out here and this course is even tougher than last year.
The landscape today was incredible...the photographers out on course are incredible..they get some wicked shots of us all as well as the helicopters above taking video.
Again..last 10km was our time to FLY! This is when the REAL DANCE begins! Very technical downhill today..was jumping all over the place...but that is the FUN part...My foot..no problems today...hmmm good drugs or little miracles...
With 2km to go...Simone did a wild FACE PLANT onto the gravol trail...@#$% we both yelled...it really knocked the wind out of her and sliced up her hands a bit..but within 30 sec or so, she was back at it...my tough girl....Then with 1km to go to the finish running on this narrow trail..I saw this thing beeline right towards my head! Yes it was a bee that darted and stuck the needle right in beside my eye..I had a little freak out ...and then off to the finish. 6 hours and 16min later TEAM ISA ENERGI came through! Loaded up on chocolate, cheese and even a couple pieces of meat! Unusual for a vegetarian! Craving salt..that was the first thing that loooked good, but don't tell anyone...
So here I am just about to go to bed with an eye puffed out like crazy...It's kind of funny because exactly a year ago on this very day..my other eye was black and blue and puffed out because of hitting it with the end of a hiking pole...now it's the other eye, on the other race course....hmmmmmmmmmm
Never a dull moment here...I AM LOVING IT!
Love K until tomorrow DAY 6
Transalpine 2012 Day 4
Entering the DARK ZONE - the halfway point...from Neukirchen am Grosvenidig to Prettau in Italy, South Tirol. 43km around 2000m to climb but a heck of a lot of running...
Ok today was a different day...was a tough day...there were points where I had no more desire to do this...I wanted it to be done..the whole race...I WANT OUT...although we were going pretty good the whole time. Early on in the run as we passed the Canadian Girls Team..one of them had tears in her eyes as she knew she had to drop out...Her lower legs were bruised...something that just came up when she got here...the tendons or the fascia...I felt bad for them..as they were strong..Many groups (or people) have dropped out..probably now over 50 Teams - So if one has to drop out...the other can stay and still do it but you are not officially in the race. 10 Teams had to pull out by the first station today! So up to now..there has been over 50 Teams drop out..due to injuries or other issues...CRAZY! With extreme events come, of course, more chance of that.
My foot has been giving me pain but I have been taking some pain killers to get me through the last couple runs...I don't feel good about taking it..since I never take any drugs like that...so we will see what tomorrow brings..I will not carry on if it gets worse.
We ran a half marathon, just to get to our big climb up to 2665m today..I was done! Had to focus on every step...felt dizzy and not stable climbing up..could feel every fast peak of my heart...the peak seemed forever away. As we approached the crest where a bunch from PLAN B had gathered to cheer and pull us in...I knew it was all downhill from there...The energy in my body began to change and so did my step as I knew my favourite part was approaching...where we would pass a bunch...I just didn't know how the foot would hold up. So again we flew down from rock to rock, passing numerous teams...the pain returned ...Simone and I I with 6km to go knew we could pump it in strong. I was running mostly with one leg..but the adrenyline carried me.
Simone promised that she would get me at Champagne - Procseco..and a Segafredo Espresso at the end..when we kept this up. So running into this little town of Prettau in South Tirol, Italy was pretty darn cool..what was cooler was them announcing we were 5th of the women teams...We are totally doing it for us and for fun....but that was sure a lifter!
It's amazing with such an event like this..there is everything...great friendships made...sad moments of people dropping out, complete exhaustion to new found energy (wondering where the heck it came from)..Even not talking to everybody on course, we feel like we know them.
As I sit here in bed...feel more tired than usual (from the couple glasses of wine we had), my eyes half open..I think of tomorrow and the 32km we are doing (feeling used to the routine already)...how will my foot be etc. It doesn't matter ...I have enjoyed it all and will continue to...Good night to all!
Until tomorrow...
Karrie
Ok today was a different day...was a tough day...there were points where I had no more desire to do this...I wanted it to be done..the whole race...I WANT OUT...although we were going pretty good the whole time. Early on in the run as we passed the Canadian Girls Team..one of them had tears in her eyes as she knew she had to drop out...Her lower legs were bruised...something that just came up when she got here...the tendons or the fascia...I felt bad for them..as they were strong..Many groups (or people) have dropped out..probably now over 50 Teams - So if one has to drop out...the other can stay and still do it but you are not officially in the race. 10 Teams had to pull out by the first station today! So up to now..there has been over 50 Teams drop out..due to injuries or other issues...CRAZY! With extreme events come, of course, more chance of that.
My foot has been giving me pain but I have been taking some pain killers to get me through the last couple runs...I don't feel good about taking it..since I never take any drugs like that...so we will see what tomorrow brings..I will not carry on if it gets worse.
We ran a half marathon, just to get to our big climb up to 2665m today..I was done! Had to focus on every step...felt dizzy and not stable climbing up..could feel every fast peak of my heart...the peak seemed forever away. As we approached the crest where a bunch from PLAN B had gathered to cheer and pull us in...I knew it was all downhill from there...The energy in my body began to change and so did my step as I knew my favourite part was approaching...where we would pass a bunch...I just didn't know how the foot would hold up. So again we flew down from rock to rock, passing numerous teams...the pain returned ...Simone and I I with 6km to go knew we could pump it in strong. I was running mostly with one leg..but the adrenyline carried me.
Simone promised that she would get me at Champagne - Procseco..and a Segafredo Espresso at the end..when we kept this up. So running into this little town of Prettau in South Tirol, Italy was pretty darn cool..what was cooler was them announcing we were 5th of the women teams...We are totally doing it for us and for fun....but that was sure a lifter!
It's amazing with such an event like this..there is everything...great friendships made...sad moments of people dropping out, complete exhaustion to new found energy (wondering where the heck it came from)..Even not talking to everybody on course, we feel like we know them.
As I sit here in bed...feel more tired than usual (from the couple glasses of wine we had), my eyes half open..I think of tomorrow and the 32km we are doing (feeling used to the routine already)...how will my foot be etc. It doesn't matter ...I have enjoyed it all and will continue to...Good night to all!
Until tomorrow...
Karrie
Transalpine 2012 Day 3
OK this one POOCHED me!
46km and 2200m from Kitzbuhel, Austria to Neukirchen am Grosvenedig, Austria (beautiful area with great alpine peaks and gorgeous valleys all around it)…I was dragging to begin with in the morning. We were at such a stellar breakfast buffet in Kitzbuhel…that had everything and we have to wolf it down and FLY to the start…I can’t stand rushed Breakfast’s..I love to savour for a couple hours.
Isa Energi Team did really well today but I was struggling today big time. My foot pain came back pretty strong today…and then at one of the food stations I asked for some pain killers…and the DOC on motorbike gave me one…I believe it was very strong..as withing 20min…no problem really. Philip from Germany ran with us today..as he had to leave his partner – he injured his knee yesterday and couldn’t do his normal speed so we said to join us…It was great having 3 of us today! But his knee got worse and he had to pull out with 10km to go Even though I was using the sticks today (I really don’t like using them), it felt harder…didn’t feel strong climbing up today..but the downhills was a flying….it is easier and less discomfort to just let er go full gas! Simone and I got our second wind after I felt completely done in with 10km to go. Once we see that 10km sign..we know it’s time to give er, as we are coming home..and that is where we are strong and pass everybody. So that we did! 10km of steep downhill and technical switchbacks flying down the mountain…what an incredibly freeing, adrenyline, uplifting feeling…and the really cool feeling of passing numerous people as they look at you like..’Whaaaa”…We flew into the finish at 7 hours and 23 minutes..feeling very good…
After taking pics with my Spanish buddies I ran to the ice cream counter, where they were dishing out free Gelato…and then couscous and more….
After eating..I did not feel well..and I was nauseous for most of the night…hard to eat. The thought of food was turning my stomach. I pretty much know it was from the painkiller I took..I am not used to taking anything..and I think it was hard on my stomach. The thought of getting up to run another 43km tomorrow over the highest point of climbing in the whole race…was not feeling too good. But the body can change in a flash.
Our pasta and film party (which we have every night) was high up on the mountain tonight, as we had to take a Gondola up. The only thing I could really shove in to eat was Tiramisu, tea and a tiny bit of salad….
A bit later…After some Propolis and a shot of Schnapps..I am feeling a bit better.
I am fading though and to bed I go…
Karbear
46km and 2200m from Kitzbuhel, Austria to Neukirchen am Grosvenedig, Austria (beautiful area with great alpine peaks and gorgeous valleys all around it)…I was dragging to begin with in the morning. We were at such a stellar breakfast buffet in Kitzbuhel…that had everything and we have to wolf it down and FLY to the start…I can’t stand rushed Breakfast’s..I love to savour for a couple hours.
Isa Energi Team did really well today but I was struggling today big time. My foot pain came back pretty strong today…and then at one of the food stations I asked for some pain killers…and the DOC on motorbike gave me one…I believe it was very strong..as withing 20min…no problem really. Philip from Germany ran with us today..as he had to leave his partner – he injured his knee yesterday and couldn’t do his normal speed so we said to join us…It was great having 3 of us today! But his knee got worse and he had to pull out with 10km to go Even though I was using the sticks today (I really don’t like using them), it felt harder…didn’t feel strong climbing up today..but the downhills was a flying….it is easier and less discomfort to just let er go full gas! Simone and I got our second wind after I felt completely done in with 10km to go. Once we see that 10km sign..we know it’s time to give er, as we are coming home..and that is where we are strong and pass everybody. So that we did! 10km of steep downhill and technical switchbacks flying down the mountain…what an incredibly freeing, adrenyline, uplifting feeling…and the really cool feeling of passing numerous people as they look at you like..’Whaaaa”…We flew into the finish at 7 hours and 23 minutes..feeling very good…
After taking pics with my Spanish buddies I ran to the ice cream counter, where they were dishing out free Gelato…and then couscous and more….
After eating..I did not feel well..and I was nauseous for most of the night…hard to eat. The thought of food was turning my stomach. I pretty much know it was from the painkiller I took..I am not used to taking anything..and I think it was hard on my stomach. The thought of getting up to run another 43km tomorrow over the highest point of climbing in the whole race…was not feeling too good. But the body can change in a flash.
Our pasta and film party (which we have every night) was high up on the mountain tonight, as we had to take a Gondola up. The only thing I could really shove in to eat was Tiramisu, tea and a tiny bit of salad….
A bit later…After some Propolis and a shot of Schnapps..I am feeling a bit better.
I am fading though and to bed I go…
Karbear
Transalpine 2012 Day 2
WHOOO HOOOOO! St. Johann in Tirol to Kitzbuhel, Austria
35km and almost 1900m climbing
Uh oh the take off times are getting earlier...today was 8...tomorrow 7am
Up at 545...our darlin woman who owned the BnB...was the sweetest thing ever and super bright...over 80 years old..up at the crack of dawn prepping breakie for us.
1min to take off...our theme song comes on again 'Highway to Hell' ...love it...just pumps you up and puts a smile on your face before you take off..From the first bit running..I knew it would be a tough day...I was fatigued and not feeling too strong.. .What can I do to take a break? Ah yes..pee break! So I ran off to the side, jump into some bushes and OWWWWWW....I believe that was some nettle..because I felt stung all over my legs...We had to do a big climb to start off with and the trails were so steep, slippery and narrow..it created a huge traffic jam...we had to stand and wait a lot...Got a great pic of that! That cameras and the Go Pros were going like crazy!
Today felt like 50km....I couldn't believe it was only 35...felt like for ever because of a few steep climbs. Miracles happen as my foot felt much better...
Team Purple...that's us...were average climbing up and strong running down and flat...which brought us in a time of 6:06min and kept our rank of 8th place for women. By the end we were at our complete limit...done...a lot of moaning and groaning going on though. It's amazing how you regenerate for the next day...
Oh the feeling of running and winding through the cobblestone, old streets in Kitzbuhel..with people sitting at cafes...just roaring and clapping for us...that brought us to the finishing shute...As you pass through the finish, you are right in the finish Party Zone..fuel up, wash your shoes..lie on special chairs in the sun and visit all the booths.
You can check out photos of the day on www.transalpine-run.com for Day 1 and 2
Tomorrow is up at 5am and 46km and one heck of a lot of climbing! hmmmm
35km and almost 1900m climbing
Uh oh the take off times are getting earlier...today was 8...tomorrow 7am
Up at 545...our darlin woman who owned the BnB...was the sweetest thing ever and super bright...over 80 years old..up at the crack of dawn prepping breakie for us.
1min to take off...our theme song comes on again 'Highway to Hell' ...love it...just pumps you up and puts a smile on your face before you take off..From the first bit running..I knew it would be a tough day...I was fatigued and not feeling too strong.. .What can I do to take a break? Ah yes..pee break! So I ran off to the side, jump into some bushes and OWWWWWW....I believe that was some nettle..because I felt stung all over my legs...We had to do a big climb to start off with and the trails were so steep, slippery and narrow..it created a huge traffic jam...we had to stand and wait a lot...Got a great pic of that! That cameras and the Go Pros were going like crazy!
Today felt like 50km....I couldn't believe it was only 35...felt like for ever because of a few steep climbs. Miracles happen as my foot felt much better...
Team Purple...that's us...were average climbing up and strong running down and flat...which brought us in a time of 6:06min and kept our rank of 8th place for women. By the end we were at our complete limit...done...a lot of moaning and groaning going on though. It's amazing how you regenerate for the next day...
Oh the feeling of running and winding through the cobblestone, old streets in Kitzbuhel..with people sitting at cafes...just roaring and clapping for us...that brought us to the finishing shute...As you pass through the finish, you are right in the finish Party Zone..fuel up, wash your shoes..lie on special chairs in the sun and visit all the booths.
You can check out photos of the day on www.transalpine-run.com for Day 1 and 2
Tomorrow is up at 5am and 46km and one heck of a lot of climbing! hmmmm
Transalpine 2012 Day 1
TRANSALPINE STAGE 1 - Day one
From RUPHOLDING, Germany to ST. JOHANN in Tirol, Austria - 50km (pretty much) 1500m elevation
The ENERGY is a buzzin....just walking around the Expo and pasta party last night was a buzz....Some I recognized from last year but a lot of new faces...And a lot of good looking full haired ones.... Our friend Stefan is doing it for the 8th time! Crazeeeeeeee!
Simone and I are doing Luxury this year with booked BEd and Breakfasts in all of the towns...I say forget the stinky feet, snoring wide open on a mat Camp Accomodations...I want a nice full layed out breakie in the morning and a half decent sleep.
7:20 am...Simone opened the door to my room....!@##$$ I slept in! What!!! We had to be there in 40min! I flew out of bed and scurried down to breakfast...I can't stand a rushed breakie or rushed anything! But we made it with out 2 ton bags for check in...ready to ROCK! I was pumped! What a vibe! What music! Theme song to the Event is 'Highway to Hell' ACDC...and they boom that right when we are about to take off.
9am...And we were off...all 500 of us from over 20 different countries! I was buzzing ...
My mid foot had been giving me problems in the last few days so I wasn't sure what was going to happen there but just going with it.
Through rain, muddy trails, technical crossings and descents, waterfalls, and 4 big FOOD STATIONS (man they are like a full on Buffet of nuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, bars, bananas, cake, bread...everything...so we mow down and move on) and totally mucked up PURPLE SOLOMON SHOES! TEAM ISA ENERGI - SHERPA 1 and 2....Myself and Simone...made it through and only moaned and groaned in the last 12-15km.. We were both kind of losing it at the same time.
Compared to last year..this course is longer and has a lot more running and a little less climbing...I prefer the more climbing actually...we ran most of it today...With only 10km left we hunkered down and picked up our pace...it was mostly flat now..and wanted to get the last part overwith...so we past a number of people on the road to the finish with a bit of adrenyline kicking in...Oh but it HURT! Crowds at the finish in the little town of St. Johann...a hug and kiss to Simone. We crossed the finish in 8th place and in 7 hrs!...Foot is fine on the uphill and OK on flat but giving pain on downhill...I know it will stay strong and hold out...I am sooo grateful for all my feet do and have done over the summer - it's amazing what feet do...we must be grateful for our FEET!
.DAY 1 accomplished...TIME FOR BED
Check out my other adventures and stories from the summer in the alps on this link
http://www.livinadventure.com/-blog-adventures.html
From RUPHOLDING, Germany to ST. JOHANN in Tirol, Austria - 50km (pretty much) 1500m elevation
The ENERGY is a buzzin....just walking around the Expo and pasta party last night was a buzz....Some I recognized from last year but a lot of new faces...And a lot of good looking full haired ones.... Our friend Stefan is doing it for the 8th time! Crazeeeeeeee!
Simone and I are doing Luxury this year with booked BEd and Breakfasts in all of the towns...I say forget the stinky feet, snoring wide open on a mat Camp Accomodations...I want a nice full layed out breakie in the morning and a half decent sleep.
7:20 am...Simone opened the door to my room....!@##$$ I slept in! What!!! We had to be there in 40min! I flew out of bed and scurried down to breakfast...I can't stand a rushed breakie or rushed anything! But we made it with out 2 ton bags for check in...ready to ROCK! I was pumped! What a vibe! What music! Theme song to the Event is 'Highway to Hell' ACDC...and they boom that right when we are about to take off.
9am...And we were off...all 500 of us from over 20 different countries! I was buzzing ...
My mid foot had been giving me problems in the last few days so I wasn't sure what was going to happen there but just going with it.
Through rain, muddy trails, technical crossings and descents, waterfalls, and 4 big FOOD STATIONS (man they are like a full on Buffet of nuts, cucumbers, tomatoes, bars, bananas, cake, bread...everything...so we mow down and move on) and totally mucked up PURPLE SOLOMON SHOES! TEAM ISA ENERGI - SHERPA 1 and 2....Myself and Simone...made it through and only moaned and groaned in the last 12-15km.. We were both kind of losing it at the same time.
Compared to last year..this course is longer and has a lot more running and a little less climbing...I prefer the more climbing actually...we ran most of it today...With only 10km left we hunkered down and picked up our pace...it was mostly flat now..and wanted to get the last part overwith...so we past a number of people on the road to the finish with a bit of adrenyline kicking in...Oh but it HURT! Crowds at the finish in the little town of St. Johann...a hug and kiss to Simone. We crossed the finish in 8th place and in 7 hrs!...Foot is fine on the uphill and OK on flat but giving pain on downhill...I know it will stay strong and hold out...I am sooo grateful for all my feet do and have done over the summer - it's amazing what feet do...we must be grateful for our FEET!
.DAY 1 accomplished...TIME FOR BED
Check out my other adventures and stories from the summer in the alps on this link
http://www.livinadventure.com/-blog-adventures.html