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Gordon · Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:59 pm Post subject: McStecko runs abroad

Phil M will no doubt overcome his natural modesty and post his own account, but I have spotted that he's just run the Sierre-Zinal race, also called the Race of Five 4000m Peaks, in the Valais Alps.
It's the oldest mountain race in the world and covers 31 km with 2200m ascent and 800m descent.

His time was 3.49.58, making him 194th out of 805 men to finish and 55th in his Vet 1 category.

Good run!

dig · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 9

Well spotted G. Anybody reckon that he will overcome his "reserve" and point out that he was first Phil over the line with the other 15 in his category spread out behind him. "reserve" I ask ye?

McStecko · Joined: 28 Sep 2007 Posts: 294 Location: Crieff

Despite the shock of being classed as a Vet for the first ever time (still fully 2 months before my birthday), I really enjoyed the race. It has a great atmosphere and attracts runners from all over Europe and further afield. They also make sure it's always a high quality field by inviting 30 or so runners (including La Mudge who could only finish 3rd this time around).

The race splits into 3 distinct sections: The first hour and 15 was a steep slog uphill mostly on narrow and unpassable paths so there is an initial sprint along a road to get a good placing for the climb.

After that the route emerges onto a broad forest track and the incline returns to something a bit more runable. Then you get a mixture of forest tracks and open meadows, always gradually climbing of course, as you pass through pretty Alpine villages with plenty of support to cheer you on "allez, allez, allez, hup, hup hup" and the occasional "c'mon Strathearn" from the British supporters.

Finally you reach the Weishorn Hotel and the descent begins on narrow paths that again made passing tricky until the path drops steeply into Zinal for the finish.

Overall, I was aiming for sub 4hrs and hoping for 3.45 so was quite happy with my 3.49. I could have done a bit better on the first section if I'd set off faster and got a better position for the climb and may have descended quicker if I hadn't been plagued by cramp every 2-3 minutes. But I ran well in the long middle section and wasn't overtaken by many people throughout the race.

So, if you happen to be in Switzerland next year, I would heartily recommend this one!

Allan · Joined: 29 Sep 2007 Posts: 126

Well done Phil- sounds a bit of a treck- we can only look on in admiration - us mere mortals.

Keep up the inspiration Very Happy

Cheers

allan

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