Preparation for a 24 hour race is always something very special.
I wanted to change the location for a couple of days in order to create new stimuli, break the rhythm, etc. A different area, a different route, a different mountain run, etc. The Tegernsee had always been on our agenda, but we had never managed to train there. So it's now or never, this is the perfect place to get the new stimuli I wanted to take with me and also get the vibes. Something you should never underestimate in general. However, equipped with little local knowledge, I first had to ask around. I was given the Riederstein recommended. It's supposed to be quite nice to walk up.
I set off unsuspectingly. The first ascent, a gradient of around 17% and 50 metres in altitude over 300 metres of trail. Let's go! Heart rate up straight away, then a little flatter, but not long before the next ascent came and this time no longer on a nice path, but root scrub and rocks on the edge of a slope. But as with the 24-hour race, you have to be prepared for all eventualities. Accordingly, I kept up my pace! Forwards! Upwards! Allez! And always keep my concentration high. At some point it got a bit muddy.
My shoes were less happy, but never mind, „Onwards and upwards“ to quote Oli 😉 Now a continuous 10% to 15% gradient and always look where you're going. My own green hell away from the Nürburgring. After half an hour, the terrain flattened out at the top, but no more resting, now it was time to pick up the pace to make up the time lost on the climb. In good spirits, I set off on the last kilometre according to my mobile phone map, but the beautiful flat terrain was soon over.
There were steps ahead. Many steps, a crossroads to the summit. But no excuses, mobilise the last of our strength and sprint up at full speed (always the motto 😉). „Respect“ said an oncoming hiker, while others just looked in disbelief. But full focus on me, on my legs and onwards. It was so incredibly intense, my heart rate was at the limit, but I didn't let up and crowned the mountain run with an average speed of 10.4 km/h over the last 1000 metres.
Once I reached the top, I was literally breathless and crucified, but exhausted. It's very idyllic with the little chapel and you have a wonderful view. But to be honest, after the effort, I wasn't quite ready to take it all in. My pulse was still at the ceiling.
In the end, it wasn't a great run, but I was incredibly proud of myself and my performance and it was exactly the training I wanted. To get to the maximum and beyond in order to be optimally prepared for the 24 hours.
