I missed the D133, a virus threw a spanner in the works during the week leading up to the race. A bitter disappointment considering the training I put in over the winter. Well done to all who took on this event in such challenging conditions.
Missing my first race made me determined to look for a main goal for 2019. As posted before, I was undecided between east to west or the Grand Raid 6666. I can now report the Grand Raid won, hopefully I'll toe the line at 0600 on the 08th June.
Antoine Guillon is the race director for this 72 mile ultra, with 21,000 feet of ascent and 32 hours to complete, needless to say I'm feeling a wee bit apprehensive. With the southern French heat, this could make things very interesting for my first event outside Scotland.
Watching Youtube videos brought it home to just how relentless this race is. I'm aquainted with some of the route but not all. The start and finish is in the Orb valley, a place called Roquebrun. The route is circular passing through beautiful countryside and over the Caroux range of mountains.
So, challenges for me?
Ascent and descent - I've done more hill training in the past couple of weeks than I have ever done, indeed, I am updating this blog at Bennachie before doing another 15 mile circuit and 5,000 ft of acsent. Videos show participants using running poles but I've never used or own a pair. Is it too late to practice with such aids? I'll have to decide soon if I'm to use them or not.
Heat- South France June, the temperature could hit 30 degrees, how on earth can I train for that kind of heat in the North East of Scotland considering I sweat excessively at anything above zero.
Navigation - I have the route downloaded on my Fenix 3. I don't know how well marked the course will be, I found out about this event a few years ago by finding an old marker tape out on the trails. Luckily I think the night section will be on trails I am familiar with.
So that's it for now, I'll update the blog on my progress as the event gets nearer.
PS. As far as I can tell, I think I'm the only participant from the UK to enter.
