Monday, 23rd September 2019 Approx. 50km. +1,300m -1,420m. Good morning! I had a good night of sleep. Lights out at 2200 hours. I ended up being super dehydrated and had to drink for an hour to make up for it. Not good and I don’t quite understand, but it happens. Today we have another mountain…
Day 1.
8:55:03 Planned were 48km, due to hunters and a required detour it turned into 53km. Doesn’t sound much of a difference, but it is. You can ask my feet. The day started early and with a ceremony in the woods. Celtic druids were drumming and singing. Prior to leaving we received some kind of blessing…
Stage 1: From Peña Ulaña to Sedano
Sunday, 22nd September 2019 Transfer to Start Line. (bus trip) Approx.48km. +1,645m -2,045m. The alarm woke me up at 5 in the morning. I had prepared everything last night, so I needed only 10 minutes to get ready. I couldn’t eat much for breakfast, there’s the nervousness in me that we all feel. Want to…
The blogsitter takes over
Hi! Great to meet you. My name is Kerstin, Im am the blogsitter while Dirk is running through Spain – and since Dirk asked me to add a bit of my own I made this short video. If you want to give feedback or contact me, here is my Facebook Account. But you can…
Final preparation
Time has come. We finished the obligatory medical and mandatory items check this morning. All is good. After a quick breakfast and prior to lunch – they are serving so much delicious food here – I decided to do a quick warm up run. Just to setup the suspension system. Result, hilly and nice. Race…
The big hello
I finally arrived and reunited with the family. Crazy amazing. Within 10 minutes I got easily 20 hugs and cheers. Everybody is super excited and eager to get to know you. The hospitality is what you would expect from Spain, fantastic. There is fresh food and wine… All of it. This is part of why…
In transit
I’m on the plane, en route to Madrid. My mind is wandering. How will it be this time? What thoughts will come up during the many hours of loneliness? Will I gain new insights? I’m visualizing how the arrival will be. After all I know a few of my fellow runners from previous races. I’m…
It’s happening
I slept well but woke up super early. I’m so excited, I don’t want to wait anymore. In know, it’s only a matter of miles and I will ask myself the “why?” question again but that’s part of the game. This stage is with Iberia Express, from Berlin, Tegel Airport to Madrid, followed by a…
Almost there
From here on out it’s only a matter of hours. I finally packed my bag today, realizing that I carry way too many things but this time I won’t have to carry much on my back between the stages. I’m getting really excited, can’t wait to arrive. I will double check all items one more…
It’s getting real
Just bought my ticket to Madrid. I’m getting really excited. I also took another look at the multiple stages and are now as scared as excited. I seem to set myself up for trouble. Love it!