Two more weeks to go until the Kepler Challenge! It is time for a little preview for the race. The Kepler Challenge with its 60k and about 1500m altitude gain is my last big race overseas before I head back to Switzerland in mid December.
The last couple of days, I spent in Te Anau to train on the original course. So far, I know the first 17 as well as the last 20k of the race. And by what I saw I can tell, it is going to be a freaking fast race. The first 5k are mostly flat which will result in a horrendous starting pace which you kind of have to go along if you don't want to get stuck in the "traffic jam" once the big climb begins. At least that's my experience from former races. Then the main climb up to Mt. Luxmore Hut follows which is not as steep as I expected so that the good uphill runners will actually run it. My problem is, I am not a good uphill runner. I prefer super steep climbs were everyone is forced to speed hike, that's what I am good at. However, I have to survive that climb in my own pace. After the hut, the climb is not over. The course climbs until a ridge just below the summit of Mt. Luxmore and continues for about 14k over the mountains (that's what I read in the description). I am looking forward to that part of the race. The descend to Iris Burn Hut is supposed to be very steep. I hope it is technical too. After the Hut you basically run an undulating track through the forest for another 26k until the finish line.
In my head, there is nothing else than this race at the moment. I spent hours analyzing former race results and maps and thinking about my own strategy. I did train a lot since coming to New Zealand two months ago and feel super fit. I have been running more than ever. However, I am not sure if I have the required speed endurance to keep up with the top runners. 60k is just such a short race for me. Normally, that's like halftime in my races and the stage where I start catching people. For sure it's going to be a new experience to actually have to run fast and I am motivated to finish off my season with a good result.
Let the games begin!
