Our day started around 0600, right around the time the 50KM runners began their race. Our 22KM didn’t start until 0900 but we made sure to depart our lodge with all of our belongings by 0805; within 15 minutes, we arrived at the Sugadaira International Resort Center.
Once at the race site, we set our things down in the bag drop area to begin preparing for our imminent start. I stretched, nibbled at my 7-11 pancakes, and took a few photos. There were no nerves – we had already discussed that this would be a long workout and not a race.
At the start line, we hung out at the back of the pack and leisurely shuffled through as the air horn signaled the release of the hordes. After a short run on the asphalt, we were greeted by the steep inclines of a ski slope – one of many we would conquer throughout the course.
The trail run had been just as tough (if not tougher) as I had imagined it to be. Over the course of 22KM , we climbed approximately 1,100 meters (3,500 feet) and trudged through a broad range of largely unsteady terrain including gravel, silt, asphalt, large rocks, and even stairs. Much of the trail was quite technical – both the climbs and descents were steep with unsteady footing.
Unused to the unstability (triathletes that we are), my ankles were frequently on the verge of rolling and I became increasingly hesitant to take chances. We have Ironman 70.3 Jeju in early July and we were keen on showing up without lingering pains or injuries!