How to run 320 km in 90 hours

Equipment

Salomon Skin Pro Backpack, X-Socks, Umbro Compression & T-Shirts, Asics and Adidas Trail Trainers.

Two lamps, Power Bar, Isomax High Performance Sports Drink.

The total weight of the backpack with water is 5.5 kg.

Two bags for large checkpoints with change of clothes and sleeping bags. (101 and 220 km).

At 15:00, three hours before the start, we arrived in Wiesbaden. A short organizational part, got a start number, a load of bags, a final check of equipment, a plate of pasta with tomato sauce, and me at the start. Michael, the race organizer, welcomes everyone who dares to start one of the toughest races in Europe.

18:00. Start. Wonderful weather, + 25 ° С, light cloudiness and fresh breeze. The group immediately divided according to the speed of advancement, someone rushed forward, others went, and I ran slowly with a small group (8-10 runners). In the beginning it was difficult with orientation, it was necessary to look for markings on trees, posts or stones along the road. Very soon we ran out of town. The road ran through fields, along vine slopes, and through woods.

The first unplanned stop was ten kilometers later, we ran past cherry trees. Well, as possible, it will not be supported by fresh and juicy fruits.

After 16, 3 km the first checkpoint was waiting for us. The town of Schlangenbad (snake pool) is a small resort town with a population of about 1000 people.

After replenishing water supplies and eating a couple of bananas, I moved on. The next stage was 37 km. After Schlangenbad the road went again through forests and fields. The sun was setting behind us, so we could not enjoy the sunset. After running through the town of Kidrich winemakers, we headed towards the Eberbach monastery, which was built in 1136 and is famous for its wine to this day. In general, the entire Rheinsteig passes through very picturesque places, wine mountains, castles, old cities … If you want to get acquainted with the Rhine culture, I highly recommend it.

It got dark and we put on the lamps. Then I realized my first mistake. My lamp gave a good diffused light, but I had to choose one so that it was possible to focus the beam, this is necessary for orientation.

By that time, we were running together and, unfortunately, lost our way, missing a turn. Realizing that we were running in the wrong direction, returning, we had to climb over a tree that lay across the road. Here, between the 39th and 40th km, that sad episode took place that did not allow me to finish this race. Not noticing the branch sticking up, I hit it with my knee from full swing … Thank God I broke only the branch.

Rubbing my bruised knee, I moved on. The next target, I mean the checkpoint, was next to Niederwalddenkmal, a statue of Germania built to commemorate the victory over the French in 1877. It is located on a mountain overlooking the cities of Rüdesheim and Bingen, and, of course, the Rhine. We arrived at this point at about 3:30 in the morning. The pause was about 15 minutes this time. Hot coffee, nuts, salty sticks, sausages and other little things were incredibly tasty.

From Rüdesheim, through Asmanhausen, we headed to Lorsch. Dawn began to illuminate the mountains on the opposite side of the Rhine. Castles on both sides of the river look very picturesque in the rays of the rising sun.

The road is difficult, constant ups and downs, stairs and stone passages.

The knee began to ache, but it was still possible to go. The next checkpoint was located at the 79th kilometer. It was a hotel - restaurant Perabo. Many thanks to the owner of this restaurant, who personally met the runners from 4 in the morning. He made an excellent breakfast.

Refreshed, again into battle. The knee began to hurt constantly. Each step was difficult.

Despite this, I continued to walk. This section of the road was especially difficult.

In addition, fatigue made itself felt. And as if that wasn't enough, I also ran out of water. I asked for water from a couple of retirees who walked towards me and they gave me a half-liter bottle of water! And then you understand how little a person needs to be happy.

Ascents and descents continued, I approached the city of Bornich. It was the first large checkpoint where there was an opportunity to eat, wash and sleep.

Finally I came to the first big checkpoint. Here my family met me. Water - shower - food - sleep. I still hoped that after the rest I would be able to continue the race.

After sleeping for two hours, I saw that the knee was inflamed and naturally hurt with every step. Considering that 219 km remained to the finish line, I decided to retire.

At the end of my story, I will try to summarize the results of this race.

First of all, respect to everyone who decided to go to the start, and especially to those who managed to reach the end. Of the 59 who started, 31 reached the finish line. For me it was a serious test.

Orientation

It took quite a long time before I began to automatically find the markings of the track.

6 extra kilometers and injury as a consequence.

The outfit, Asic sneakers and X-Socks did their best, no blisters or blisters.

About Umbro, for training or a marathon, they are suitable, but for such distances you need to take Salomon, Compressport, X bionic or something like that.

Sticks for Nordic walking Leiki Almero are reliable and, most importantly, lightweight, only 385 g / pair.

Nutrition

After eating a Power Bar, you start to feel a burst of energy pretty quickly. One thing is, it's hard to eat them, they are very sweet and, accordingly, it takes a lot of water. Next time I'll take dried fruit, chocolate and oat bars, and definitely something salty. You don't have to be afraid of weight, during the race I lost two kilograms. Isomax drink fully lives up to the promises of the producers. The main thing is to have a bottle with a wide neck, believe me that after 60 kilometers it is not so easy to pour the powder into a narrow neck.

The knee is slowly recovering. I think it was just a bad bruise. The other day I ran 5 km, but after that my knee ached again. So for now, I pause my training.

For those who are still asking the question "why?"

It is very difficult to describe the state and feeling during the race. As Anna wrote, one of the participants in the race, at some point everything fades into the background, there is only this moment in time, you and the road. In addition, the atmosphere, the feeling of celebration and meeting friends, although I did not know any of the participants. The people you meet along the way and their wishes for good luck, helpers at checkpoints and, of course, the support of those closest to me.

Perhaps this is the very "why?"

Runkeeper only recorded 87 kilometers:

And so, 107 km and 3400 meters of ascents in 21 hours. This is a record for me. Taking into account the mistakes made, I will definitely prepare and go to the start of WIBOLT 2015!

I look forward to your questions, comments and advice.