The Grand Raid des Pyrenees
A Special Win
Nicky Spinks / 12.09.2011
Thursday we checked the weather constantly as my site www.theyr.com was showing a low moving NE across us during Friday bringing wet and windy weather then very cold overnight. I was all packed and ready for it though. After putting the drop bags in we went to the briefing but left soon after as we couldn't understand it. They did however have an English translation at the end which we missed and was important. Luckily fellow racers Olly and Ali called in to tell us the news. 1) We were starting at 7 am not 5 am 2) We weren't going to climb Pic du Midi due to thunderstorms. I was disappointed in both decisions but as I was still happy with my kit and clothes I just accepted two more hours in bed.<br>
Friday morning found me nervously standing at the start. I was glad to be off. I tried to set off steady and walk the hills on the road / tracks. I felt ok but I was too focused on the other women rather than on my own race. I kept reeling myself in. The gentle running felt ok but when we hit the steep climb to Merlans I felt tired and the legs were heavy. I was breathing hard and wishing I had brought my poles when Olly Stephenson caught me and offered me his. I was quite worried about my lack of energy but once at Merlans (time 09:14) felt better and hoped that with good eating I would be able to pull it round.<br>
I caught the 1st lady soon after Merlans and so then had the added incentive to keep going. Running along to Artigues it was getting cold and starting to rain. Coats and gloves came out of the bag and I ate some fruit salad and rice pudding too. At Artigues (time 11:49) Charlie was waiting in the pouring rain. The soup was good and I collected a mousse and my poles before heading off. The climb to Sencours was ok but cold and I was glad not to be going up Pic du Midi in the wind and rain. I picked up some chocolate, biscuits and soup at Sencours (time 13:32).
SleepMonsters
