Race report by Kerry:
Mike and I made a very last minute trip to France to take part in the Grand Raid Des Pyrénées, Tour de Lacs race. This is 50miles and 17000ft of climbing.
After delays and cancellations we arrived in Saint Lary Soulan just after 1am. With the race starting at 5am, we managed around 1 and half hours sleep. Nevertheless, we made it to the start feeling very grateful to be there. The race starts in the square in the small village of Vignec, a short walk from saint lary. After a short run up through the village, its straight onto the first climb. This is 9miles and 5000ft of continual climb upto the ski lifts. As you eventually come out of the forest and through a small ski resort we were treated to a breathtaking cloud inversion. Once at the top its a short descent down to the first checkpoint. From here as the path snakes round, its starts to become quite technical with a long rocky drag upto col de bastanet. The rocks then continue as you descent right down to the bottom of what I think is the hardest climb, its a steep grassy climb with about 4 false tops. In the midday sun by this point, its gruelling. Having dragged myself up there its then a steep, slippy, tricky descent into the next checkpoint, Le Mongie. This is the furthest I’d ever got previously. 19miles and 8000ft in by this point. Having realised I was well within the cut off and spurred on by good friends, I had a quick refuel and headed back out. This next bit proved to be the most challenging mentally. The route kindly drops you down on a nice runable path only to sweep you round to go back up a huge valley… it went on for what felt like an eternity. It was boiling!! People where hiding behind rocks for some reprieve. Between the heat, the altitude and sheer time out, the sickness was kicking in so keeping hydrated and fed was essential. Head down and keep going was the order here. Eventually I reached the top and the next checkpoint. Shattered, and roasting, I collapsed into a chair contemplating my life choices 🤣 after a little word with myself and encouring words of wisdom from Mike and my amazing friends, I headed back out. Feeling for the first that I could actually finish it. This next section was like a roller coaster, up and down steep climbs and descents. As I approached the top of the next col before the long descent into the next checkpoint, I hit a problem. My knee decided to play up, it wouldn’t bend and I was in agony. The descent was so rocky and every step down was torture. I thought that was it, race over. I shuffled my way down to the checkpoint, deflated and gutted. However again Mike and friends had come out to cheer me on and with the advice and guidance of those who’d done the route, I decided to carry on. Into the night section i went. I’d done the hardest bit now, although the terrain was still very technical, I knew I just neded to get my head down and keep moving. After hitting the last major checkpoint, its a bit of a drag back upto the ski lifts. To my surprise (and a very nice one 😁) Mike and my friends were there again. Mike then made the 7 mile descent back to the finish with me ❤️ this is a very steep descent, my feet were trashed and my knee very sore but the smell of the finish was strong. When you get back to the village the last section of the run goes along the river before turning left back into the square and onto the red carpet. 🙏 I’d done it, 3rd time lucky… omg, felt like rocky 🤣 Could not have done it without my amazing man and fabulous friends. Would I do it again?…. go on then… once my blisters have healed that is…
