35th Sierre – Zinal Mountain race was Hot – N – High …!
With 4 x 4,000 meter peaks the stats are larger than life…..2,200 m ascent ( 7,260 ft ) 31 klm.Rising to an Altitude of 2,500 M ( 8,250 ft )
I hadn't anticipated doing it but being so close to Sierre in the Valais region of Switzerland on business the temptation was just too great. It was a race I previously did 2 years ago and really enjoyed.
So after a quick call home for a 2 day extension to my trip , then a call to my new buddy in Zinal a number was given and accommodation found. UK Athletic's physio sorted my Borrowdale injuries and some last minute advice from last years winner Anna Pichrtover and UK top man Andy Peace left me feeling good .
Boy was it hot, 23 degrees at the 9 am start, rising to 31 degrees by 1pm. .
There were 6 drinks stations with a variety of snacks and drinks supplies by enthusiastic volunteers, they crucially also provided massage facilities, needed by lots of “coureurs” after the steep first ascent.
After a tortuous 70 minute ascent the loss of minerals took their toll and sadly cramps set in and worst of all this was after 10 k with another 20k to go.This sadly ruined any chance of a good time and I was left to savour the views and the fantastic support of the enthusiastic a – Pied’s lining the whole route .
So each and every one of the 6 massage stations were used by me and it seemed every other runner, I was left to running for half a mile then needing to rub my calves to avoid total breakdown.
A simple bit of advice given at the end by someone “ in hot weather before a long race take mineral supplements “ ( pity she didn't tell me a week earlier )
4 hours 30 , not bad for a Sunday training run although according to the first split time I was on target for a sub 4 hours .The last 3 Sunday runs have covered 55 miles and 12 hours of running!
But who's up for it next year ? It's fantastic and definitely one for the running CV.
Results
Split Chandolin Weishorn
1. Marco Gaspero 2.30 1.10 36.48
10. Tim Short 2.43 ( first Brit ) 1.14 40.45
17. Anna Pichrtova 2.54.26 ( new female course record ) 1.20 43.13
550 Mike Cooper 4.30 1.50 110.0
Cheers,
Mike.