Amy and I had signed up for the Red Bull World Run a while ago. It sounded like a fun new experience. For those not familiar with the RedBull World Run. You start running on course and 30 min after you start a catcher car (finish line) starts driving and slowly accelerating until it has caught all runners. So the race is not over after a predetermined time/distance but rather how long you can keep the catcher care at bay. This race is run simultaneously at many locations all over the world. Our catcher car was driven by Davig Coulthard.
My original goal was to run 30km which would be a 4:52 min/km (Estimated total time of 2h 26min). My stretch goal was to finish one lap which was 34km, where I needed an average pace of 4:42 min/km (Estimated total time of 2h 40min).

I got sick on Thursday evening and slept for like 14h. However after that I felt better, but I had a lingering dizziness/unclear head until Sunday. I decided to start anyway and see how it goes. I am glad I did. Apparently, my body still know how to deal with race day even if not 100% ready.

It was unusually cold and I wasn’t sure what to exactly to wear but decided for 3/4 leggings, a shirt, arm warmers, a wind/rain jacket, hat and gloves. I lined up with the 30 km pacers and ran in that group for the first 11km. The pace was slightly faster than needed but pretty spot on. I had forgotten how annoying it can be to run in a big pack especially on the narrow streets. To make things worse shortly after the start we had rain which turned into hail, followed by snow. So a little on the chilly side. For a short period we were running into the wind and the hail gave me a nice (read painful) face peeling. But luckily that only lasted a few minutes.

After 11km when the pacers were slowing down a bit because they noticed they were on the fast side I decided it was time to run ahead. I felt surprisingly good and just listened to my body. That lasted only 1-2km and I wondered if I should have stayed with the pace group since they were only a few 100m behind me. However, I decided to just keep going and do what I can. At that point I had set my mind to run a full loop. So I had slowly accelerated my pace to around 4:40min/km. At km 15-17 I was really wondering if I could achieve my goal. The farthest I had run in training was 15km. The breathing (cardiovascular system) was doing well, while the limiting factor were definitely my legs/muscles. I found here and there a person to run with or at least a target to catch. At km 19, Daniela Ryf was cheering on people (she also started, and probably used this as a training run). I got a high five from her, which was exciting.

I know I’m not in the same shape I used to be and the focus is more on fun than goals. So I was surprised by myself that around 20km my self confidence showed up and I was enjoying myself. I was just happy that I’m in a decent shape and get to enjoy this. Despite being tired, I felt great.
Many people had already started to slow down and I was overtaking people constantly. The course was definitely much hillier than anticipated. Around 23km on a particular steep and long hill I heard the catcher car which was just on the other side around 18/19km catching people. This gave me an extra boost and helped me up the hill.
I had accelerated the pace even more. I knew I had to run roughly 10km to make my goal. I had not looked at the course much and was confused by all the turns and didn’t know exactly where I was. Somehow I found a running companion, who was drafting off of me. I didn’t mind, it was nice to have company and someone who would keep my pace honest. Since most people around us had started to slow down drastically.

The running had become hard and my legs were complaining. All my race experience definitely kicked in and it was mind over matter. While I was trying to keep the pace reasonable up hill, I was pushing on the flats and downhill. We hit the 30km mark with (2h 21min). I was super excited, I knew if I wouldn’t slow down I should be able to finish the loop. We reached 32km and I knew that this was it. Not knowing how close the catcher car was I pushing hard. I wasn’t exactly sure where we were, but I knew I was close until we turned onto the street where the start was. I had made my stretch goal of finishing one loop. That is where things got really though. In most races where you have a finish line you know exactly how long to push yourself. Here there was a lot of uncertainly. My follow runner pulled ahead and I just focused on not slowing down too much.

I saw Amy who was cheering me on (she also had participated, but got caught a little earlier. She also surpassing here goal! Woot!). I felt horrible. Amy told me afterwards that I looked great and much better than most others. Many people apparently just gave up after the one loop. My mind wouldn’t allow that and I continued on. However, my muscles and mind weren’t in the game anymore. I figured it would be nice to make it to 35km. I had to walk several times, since I was clearly out of my depth here, but continued on. Still averaging close to a 5min/km. I passed the 35km marker when I heard the catcher car. I could see an aid station, which I deemed a good spot to be done. I stopped right there and enjoyed being caught by the catcher car (a few seconds later).

The unfortunate part of this, was that I had to walk back to the finish ~1km. I immediately understood why other people just stopped after one loop 🙂

I really enjoyed this race, but do have to say there is one big disadvantage of running farther than most. You get back to the changing area pretty much last. The shower had only ice cold water, which didn’t bother me anymore and the food stand had very long lines. It is just funny that in most other races it pays off to be faster than others. Not here 🙂

Some stats can’t be missing either. I ran 35.53 km. I finished 90th in Zug (15th in my AG). Worldwide I placed 1118 (240 in my AG).

All in all this was a great experience. I gained much needed confidence for my other races coming up later on this year. I am on the right track. I have made huge gains in the last 1-2 months.