What have we signed up to? 120k and 7200+ meters vertical distance. A ultra trail running race in the Spanish mountains outside Alicante. Will it be heaven or hell? ...or both?
Flying over mountains on our way to Spanish mountains
When we found Desafio Lurbel Aitana it was only a couple of weeks after UTMB and we were determined to come back and give it another try. But none of us were qualified. Ellen was 4p short for being able to run 2016 and Johnny had about 0 points, but had started to think about 2017. Then we found this amazing race in November that would give 4 points for the 120k distance. So without any hesitation we just signed up.
The start is tomorrow at 6:00. It is probably too late to be wise now. But let's just say that before UTMB (who also is worth 4p) we had studied the course, checked previous results, talked to runners who done the race, checked all gear really careful, planned the energy, and so on. This time we have another approach.
Samantha and Ellen in Finestrat the day before Desafio Lurbel Aitana. Samatha will do 80k and Ellen 120k.
But we do have high hopes of finishing. The maximum time limit is 30 hours so we realize it could take that long. It is ok. We will run together and support each other so we can make it till the finish line. It will be magic to race in Spain, we love to run in these mountains, and we will nurture that feeling tomorrow!
Wish us luck! <3
Johnny & Ellen