I ran 100 km last week, but this week will be less. A few short sprints yesterday, some bounding today, and the remainder of the week until Saturday will be a case of winding down. The last thing I’d want is to go into a 50 km event feeling tired. As I’ve stated before, the marathon part of what I’m running is actually a race. I’m not sure of the standard of the field, but I’m keen to do well.

Here’s a photo of me running across the border from Portugal to Spain during the world run. Carmel and I drove over this same road in 1986 and it was heavily fortified with border check police and the like. Now there’s nothing but a nice road on which to run.

On This Day

Apr 25, 2012

Distance today = 53.11 km; Total distance = 5580.38 km; Location = Woodland Park, Colorado – 38 59.251′ N, 105 02.803′ W; Start time = 0857, Finish time = 1650

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/171788867

When I crested the summit of Wilkerson Pass this morning, at 2,901 metres (9,518 feet), I thought the rest of the day would be downhill – wrong! After descending almost 500 metres in elevation, the road started up again, peaking at 2,803 metres. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a good thing I love hills.

I was feeling very good early on, but went through a rough patch this afternoon. Perhaps it was the long uphill, perhaps it was the dodgy burrito I had for lunch?

At least the long uphill was through a nice gorge, with massive boulders sitting precariously above the roadway. However, the most stunning scenery of the day was provided by Pike’s Peak, which was on my right for much of the day. At over 14,100 feet in elevation, this is one of the most well known mountains in the US, and one of the most prominent. As my old mate, Watto from Wagga Wagga, would say, “it stands out like hog’s jowls”, or something to that effect. Did I get it right, Watto?

Well, Libby has made a nice margarita, so I’m off to enjoy it in the bath.

Apr 25, 2013

Distance today = 50.37 km; Total distance = 19,973.16 km; Location = Sirig, Serbia – 45 28.614′ N, 19 47.764′ E; Start time = 0827, Finish time = 1704

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/303070176

A very tough one today – I wasn’t 100%, suffering from mild stomach cramps, the roads were shocking, and the temperature reached 33C (91F).

I knew I was in for a hard day when I awoke feeling like I needed another few hours of sleep. Early on, I was constantly yawning on the road. Then the issue with the stomach started, although it was more of an annoyance than a problem.

The day got tougher as it heated up, and the roads did me no favours. The last part of the day was the worst. The heavy traffic and lack of shoulder to run on was as bad as it gets. I won’t go on anymore about it – you must be sick of hearing me complain about no road shoulders. Suffice to day, it’s days like this that make me feel I will have “earned my stripes” for this run around the world.

The hotel we’re staying in has no internet, so I’m writing this in a café down the road. I need a shower, so I’m going to sign off, but not before wishing everyone in Australia a Happy Anzac Day (although it’s a bit late now).