7.5m Race: Aubonne to Signal de Bougy

Richard was very enthusiastic when I called him about this race on Thursday night. But by race day, is daughter told me he'd gone to Geneva for the day to avoid the race.

This is a local one for me and a recent long run with the aforementioned Richard proved very useful in helping me pace myself and in managing the hills as I knew a) they were super steep and b) they were super long. Thus, only way to keep moving on the hill is to go super slow and hope that means hrt stays under max. Plenty I saw failed this and partook in the walk of shame as I ran past them.

At the start it was super low key. Two teams of footballers were bemused to find their pitch covered in Lycia clad runners all warming up for the event.  To my dismay the start was pointing down to the lake and I quickly realised this was another 1,000 ft climb run. I decided to start last and make my way though the field finishing strong. At the back the guys around me looked ripped, well equipped and like they would destroy me. Not a strand of cotton in sight.

I set off and was blocked in a bit, but managed some verge dancing to get to the 4:30 min km people and tried hard not to move too far up the field. Everyone looked like they were taking it easy. Down, down, down for 4km. You can see what is coming, the hill looms above you and I could see the lead guys a km or so ahead 100m up and on the other leg of the switch back. Tough km.

Next was nice along the little roads with great views down to Rolle and I picked out the buildings around my place. I caught the kid from the TPV races, he was struggling. Caught a lady, then starting pegging back a guy in a blue top. Sharp left and a big downhill where he puts his arms out like an airplane and flies down the hill, I burst out laughing and he turns and says he needs to conserve the energy in his arms. We run side by side up the next sheer climb. It hard going and very slow, but I am determined not to stop. Just before the top he stops and swears as I pull away. I later saw him finish some 5mins behind me.

Now it is getting silly. I know exactly where we are and the route is straight up. No more switch backs just climb. I am struggling to overtake the walkers but do manage a few of them who are very encouraging. I over take a couple more people on the hill to the cheers of the small crowds.

On the dirt track into Signal - Katja and the kids are there which is a great boost. 400m to go so I kick even if the hill is not done and red line home. 200m to go and I time it just right to hit max hrt at the line and pick of one more competitor right at the funnel.

1,000 climbed, 11.4km run but the climb only started after the 4th km.

Great atmosphere and nice post race goodies, apple, energy bar and a very nice thermos. I'll definitely add this route to my long runs and would definitely recommend for next year.

Garmin