Mission accomplished. I’ve just finished a 25 km run with no issues. It wasn’t particularly pretty, taking me two and a half hours. And the fact I didn’t stop for a drink the whole time on a very warm day didn’t make it any easier. But I got through it comfortably.

Now, the big question “will there be any issues tomorrow”. Either way, I’ll be taking it easy for a day or two.

Kevin Carr ran 57 km yesterday but another blizzard has caused him to have today off. The following few days, however, are expected to exhibit weather more amenable to running. Fingers crossed – he deserves a break.

On This Day

Nov 20, 2012

Distance today = 52.75 km; Total distance = 14,673.91 km; Location = Fraga, Argentina – 33 29.968′ S, 65 47.471′ W; Start time = 0857, Finish time = 655

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/245291266

What a day of weather diversity!!!

It started out beautifully, with warm sunny skies. I felt great and really enjoyed the run during the morning – it was easy and painless, which is not always the case.

The scenery was very much like rural France, which made the run even more enjoyable. The road climbed gradually to 1000 metres of elevation, before then gradually descending.

By early afternoon, however, the clouds were beginning to gather, and the thunder started to rumble. I thought I was going to be lucky, but it wasn’t to be.

I had sent Carmel ahead to investigate some accommodation options, and this left me exposed. As I was nearing the end of the run for the day, not only did it start raining, but the hail began as well. The stones were sometimes almost as big as golf balls, although most were marble size. I have never been caught in a hail storm before without cover, but I can now inform you that hail hurts A LOT when it hits you. I copped several smaller stones in the left ear, and a big one cracked me on the top of the head. I’m glad I was wearing my padded Next Digital cap, and this probably saved me from a more serious head injury.

Carmel could not get back to me on the divided road, as the visibility was near to zero. Luckily there was an overhead bridge just ahead (Carmel happened to be parked just 200 metres beyond it), and I took cover under it, along with several cars and buses. I waited for some time until a break allowed me to sprint to the car and finish my day of running. However, the hail started up again, and didn’t really let up for nearly two hours. It was the longest and most intense hail storm I’ve ever experienced.

We finally made it to a hotel, after many stops due to near zero visibility. I am now having trouble with the Garmin – it doesn’t want to download the data. Perhaps it has been damaged by the weather? I know the data is in there, so hopefully I can get it working soon.

PS The Garmin issue must have something to do with my computer, as I was able to upload the data on Carmel’s computer, then transfer it across. I have added the link at the top of the page.