Jul 31st, 2019
Hard Trail Montejunto is a tough, tough course. Probably the hardest on the Sky Runner calendar. It is 39km with 2600m of ascent. There is no chance of recovery on the course, you are either going up or going down; there is little or no tree cover so fully exposed to the elements; the ground is rock with loose rocks everywhere therefore hard impact and full concentration required at all times. The race name is justified :)
I completed this race last year and knew what to expect but this time round but unfortunately I didn't finish and pulled out at 3rd aid station (25km). It has been 10 days so plenty of time to reflect what I could have / should have done but basically comes down to 3 factors: not hydrating properly (it was around 35 degrees), not fueling properly and mentally not being in the right place. Physically, I felt good going into the race and didn't push on the climbs or descents and was sitting in second place (unknown to me until afterwards) but mentally I was not strong on the day.
Congratulations to 'Super' Mario Elson for his victory in an impressive time, the only person to go under 5 hours. Massive congratulations to my training partner and team mate, Matthew Davies, who finished 4th. And well done to my GO!Runners teammates that fininshed. Out of 54 entrants, only 23 finished!! Thank you to Turres Events for hosting #HardTrailSkyMarathonMontejunto. I'm sure I'll be back to make amends.
My recovery over the last ten days has been rest, swimming in the ocean, a couple of easy bike rides and only running after 7 days :). Now I am planning some holiday time in August and what races to do for the end of the Portugal Sky Running Series in the Autumn. My goal is to get back on the podium. I might also try and sneak the Ironman 70.3, Cascais into the mix at the end of September...watch this space.