Learning curve

Stick to the plan – FAILED,
Do not hydrate upfront – FAILED,
Do not rush anything – FAILED,
Have a great and helpful crew – CHECKED.
Have as much nutrition prepared, even of not needed – CHECKED,
Have couple of gear sets ready – CHECKED,
There is no reason to be angry, especially on your crew – TO BE REVISITED,
Trust your crew, they know better – CHECKED,
Good GPS watch – CHECKED.

That was the first ultra run which had three digits in the distance length, first 100 KM. Me and Bozena knew that this run will be a test for both of us. Me as a runner and for My Wife as a supporting crew. Portumna Forest Marathon was a great event to get us through the experience…

Sebastien Locteau has pulled off really great venue. For us that was the first time we have visited Portumna but heard that every year that day is a special one. And after seeing that on my own eyes I do believe that. Family atmosphere, plenty supporters, many tents for resting and supplies. Looks like every one was prepared first for great but hard race followed by picnic.

Starting day of running were 50 K and 100 K runners at 7 AM. We had whole course for our own for next three hours. 5 K loop mostly on the forest tarmac path, some on the gravel. We were running 2.5 K through the forest, nice and cool. Then followed by little bit open path (at least on the one side) passing bay with marina. 180 degree turn and run passing marina again. So here and back section for together 2 K with some forest, some marina views and on the turn with well stocked water station. 800 meters in the open, fully exposed to the sun, running on the gravel. And last 200 meters in the forest heading towards finish of the lap. And must tell you, after 20 laps of that loop I knew in details every turn, every hole in the road, where to overtake, where to rest. We had all that just for us for next 3 hours. At 9 AM we were joined by half marathon runners. There was at least 200 runners for that distance and to be honest it started to be very crowded. Especially on the here and back section. You had to be on your toes all the time to avoid traffic in front of you and coming at you. Last group joining us were marathon runners at midday. At this stage half marathoneres have finished, some 50 K finished already, 100 K over half way. But still most of 7 AM starters were on the route.

Wanted to finish between 8:50 and 9 hours. I did it, but not exact in the way I did. First 50 K time – just over 4:01 and second part 4:51. Instead of go steady with my pace I rushed on the beginning and paid at the end. Until 40 km mark I was feeling really well. Not really much to say about that part. Needed plenty of fluids, got half of power bar. Laps 9 and 10 were quite hard for me. Strange feeling, probably temperature was a factor to that. Me and Bozena decided that on the half way mark I need to change the top and buff. At this stage that I was already in stage were I didn’t care about that. But was really happy that my Wife forced me to do that, cause after coming back on the course I had less on my back. Each lap plenty of fluids. Probably too much, coke was little bit too fizzy. Amount of drinks got me to quick pit stop. Can’t say what lap number was that cause lap counts started to be so fuzzy. To get proper count I had to put my mind in to higher gear and do mathematics 😉 What I can say… since finishing lap number 10 my pace has degreaded, quite a bit. I knew that I will be slower, much slower. And at the end, when trying to get to my 8:50 – 9 hours I knew that have 5 minutes cushoning (if finishing at 9 hours mark) and if I will keep pace at 6 minutes per km I will be ok. That was for last three laps. That plan worked out. I was doing between 5:45 and 5:55 per km on the last 15 km. That got me to 8:52. I was over the moon, below 9 hours.

At the finish I was surprised by Sebastien, who presented me with trophy for second place. That was unexpected. First 100 K run and it was a good one. Plenty runners were congratulated me, some of them were shocked that it was my first one. I was tired, but was expecting that I will be wrecked. Wasn’t too bad. I went to lay down on the blanket to rest. Me, Bozena, Cezary and Daria (2nd lady home for marathon) started the picnic. I had great stone backed pizza, couple of recovery milks and rest. After 30 minutes I wanted to got up but cramps put me straight into ‘proper’ position. Again to lay down on the blanket, just on my face this time. Took me next 15 – 20 minutes to got up and prepare to go back to our B&B.

To summarize… Great race, great experience… I had run 100 km for the first time. My running adventure continues… So happy. Bozena – thank you…

Pictures…