Running race 9:48:00 [4] 49.0 km (12:00 / km) +3300m 8:59 / km
shoes: Speedcross 4
UTMR day 3 Gressoney- Macugnaga.
Well that all got a bit gritty; not too surprisingly. Set off v slowly with quite a lot of queuing up the first part of the climb which was good for getting the body going gradually. The rest of the 1400m climb didn’t seem too bad and at the Col in 2h30m. Then it was a never ending descent (~2000m) to Alagna and the feed station. Was too technical a descent to eat on the way down, so well ready for some food and a break at that point. Left food station after 4h30m, then it was all the way back up again with a 1700m climb to the next Col. With RB and a couple of other guys for much of the climb which helped pass the time a bit. But it was all still a bit gritty and went on for a long long time. 7h30m to the top. Managed to relax into the descent ok but taking it steady as the rock was wet. Got a wee shower of rain at this point too, but thankfully it never got any worse. The toughest part of the day was still to come with the next checkpoint and drinks station promised at 41km, but it didn’t materialise until 43km - not what you need at that stage. Then, just as bad, I thought it was meant to be 4km to the finish but turned out to be nearer 6 with a bonus uphill near the end.
Totally brutal but lived to tell the tale. Fastest Deeside lady today and consolidated my 2nd really auld wifie position. Just got to survive tomorrow now.