July had a lot to offer. After my fast start in the competition after my injury, I was able to participate in more great races.
Skyrunning European Championship Montenegro 11.7.-16-7.2023
Pure excitement! I was allowed to start for Germany at the Skyrunning European Championship in Montenegro.
Skyrunning is the most technically demanding form of trail running. By definition of the International Skyrunning Foundation, skyrunning means running in the mountains - at an altitude of 2000 meters or more. Parts of the course must have a gradient of more than 30 percent. In some cases, hands must be used to negotiate passages.
I was so happy to get the opportunity. However, I had a massive respect for the track. This is understandable - I, as a "beginner" with no specific (running) preparation.
Montenegro was a pure adventure; the competitions were the icing on the cake! The race location was in the deepest interior of the country and definitely not a developed tourist area; scenically, it was gorgeous. The temperatures were immense - over 30 degrees every day!
On Friday 14.7. I went to the start of the Vertical (3.9km - 1000hm). It was short and crisp. The start was only at 11 am, the midday sun brooding overhead. The race went very well. I organized my race well, and despite the challenging course, I had much fun. The extreme heat was a problem for all of us.
I couldn't believe it when I crossed the finish line in 9th place. Super happy with that!
From my point of view, I gained some experience, but I am sure that I can still learn a lot (especially tactically) and that there is still a lot more in it.
The way back after the race was almost more exhausting than the way up (we needed 1:30h), and I actually had minor muscle soreness from the downhill. LOL
On Sunday 16.7. came the real challenge. The Skyrace is over 30km and 2260hm! The altitude meters were distributed over 2 mountains à 1000hm and were very technical. I had genuine respect for the competition, distance, and difficulty. This was my first long-distance (besides, due to my long-lasting injury, I had no decent running training at all the last 2 months), plus I have never practiced nutrition in competition nor used poles. It was an adventure. I was dreading the start ;-).
The result? I made the best of the competition. I could climb the two mountains solidly and make up much time. Downhill looked different, and I ran too cautiously and unfortunately lost a lot of time and places. The heat got to me - and I made a typical beginner's mistake and didn't care enough about nutrition. Drinking just under 1 liter for 5 hours is not enough. On the 14th, I came to an end proud and relieved to the finish.
Most importantly, I have not seen a bear 🐻 - Puh!
1st Triathlon Bundesliga Tübingen 23.7.2023
There was not much time to recover. Only one week after my 30 in Montenegro, I was allowed to start in the 1st Triathlon Bundesliga in Tübingen! I was grateful about the start!!!
The competition took place on Sunday at noon. From KTT01, Caro, Finja, Josi, and I went to the start. At 13:50, the starting signal was given. It was a water start with scarce (in a magical way) 20.5 degrees Celsius - fresh. My swim was as expected. So on the bike, I had to give it my all from start to finish. There were four laps to do with tight turnarounds. The course had partly heavy headwinds, which did not make it easier for me to catch up. But I could surprisingly catch up with a few female athletes!
In the running shoes, my goal was to catch as many athletes as possible - step by step forward. It was a challenging course and running was not easy for me (who was surprised after last weekend).
In the end, I could make up some places and became 35th. In the team, we became 11th this time. I am satisfied because I gave everything.
(@bettinphotography)
Widderstein Trail 29.7.2023
And again, it's race week (more WK than training, for real).
In between, I had to go to Berlin for a few days for work - recovery and regeneration were difficult there.
Finally, it was Walser Trail Challenge again! The competition has become a tradition for me for a few years, and I had my first contact with trail running there.
The starting signal fell at 10 o'clock. The day before and in the morning, it rained, so the course was a bit muddy and slippery, but still good to run.
My goal was the same as usual: run, have fun, and see what comes out.
The start went well for me. I was proud of myself for starting the race a little more "aggressively" and was able to run with the lead group into the hill. The climb went well and smoothly - at the top of the hill, I was even 4th overall!.... Then came the downhill.... ;)
I gave my best; in the end, I was 19th in the run-in and secured the victory in the women's classification.
So I could secure my 3rd victory in a row at the Widderstein Trail. We won the challenge cup together because Marc also celebrated his 3rd victory. Congratulations!
This was a wild July for me. I was allowed to take so many different experiences with me. Simply overwhelming! I first have to process this in peace.
I am relieved that my leg took the weeks so well. It was risky and a lot - but my body played along. Of course, I still have to be careful. Listening to your body is the most essential thing in sports.
Right after the race, I went on to Wallgau / Garmisch. A training camp at home is now on the agenda. I will enjoy the time because I'm not training alone.
And then I am looking forward to the 2nd half of the season. I'm ready, and I can promise you some fantastic competitions are coming ;)
