TransAlpine Run 2023: Stage Racing as a Masters Athlete
The Transalpine Run 2023 (TAR2023) reduced the days from 8 to 7 but also eliminated the classic TAR rest day, which is a short 6 mile straight up hill run. Last year I learned two critical things: (1) TAR can be completed despite the hard to image day-after-day mileage and elevation; (2) I love stage racing! Coming into the 2023 edition, the goal was simple: push my limits, enjoy all the technical mountain terrain, and the TAR family atmosphere. Everyone at TAR looks so happy!
TAR is the original partner (teams of 2) stage race. This adds another dimension to this race. As we were leaving to fly to Europe I lost my original running partner, so I spent the next 48 hours preparing to run TAR solo. I knew I could do TAR solo since I basically did it last year when my partner was injured in Stage 1. Also, TAR added a solo category for the first time this year (2023) so running solo from the very start was now an option. We’ve been honored to travel with Rene Unser’s group (www.pacetrailruns.com/) in 2022 and 2023. Rene is an amazing human and runner! It’s been another special treat to get to know her, Trent, and her running people. As we got settled in Europe, Rene found me a new potential partner so I decided to re-orient back to running with a partner. I spoke with Brian and we connected right away. He was originally only planning to do 2 days but was game to try 7! We both agreed to give it a try; it paid handsomely in the end.
Pre-Race: High Elevation Prep
I’ve had the privilege to travel to TAR early to adjust to the time zone and cram in a bit of altitude training. Three days before the start, we headed up to 7,800 feet to get more elevation at Karwendel in Mittenwald (Alpenwelt Karwendel - Urlaub & Naturerlebnisse in Bayern) . All the ‘running’ was super technical and near, or beyond, my comfort level unlike Tango and Cash who are actually mountain goats impersonating humans. I’m grateful for many things including: all the personal, emotional, mental, and spiritual support from home, especially from my awesome bride, being healthy and willing to lean into my limits, as well as the time and space to do these things. I’m also especially grateful to know when it’s ok to say ‘I’ll stop here’. All of this is a special type of fun- type 5 fun.
*** If you’re not familiar with the types of fun: Type 1 Fun: Fun while it happens; fun to remember. It’s the normal kinda fun. Type 2 Fun: Miserable while it happens, but fun in retrospect (e.g., running up alpine moutains). Type 3 Fun: Not fun while it happens; not fun even later; likely questionable decisions were involved. Type 4 Fun: ???? (maybe no one knows what this type of fun is). Type 5 fun: type 2 or 3 fun with a supportive spouse, partner, or friend cheering you on from the comforts of home. They encourage you to continue these activities, usually while enjoying time on the couch, in their pajamas, drinking hot chocolate, cuddling with the dogs. ***
Stage 1: Fast Start, Big Effort
Distance: 20.5 Miles; Elevation Gain: 6,339 Feet Time: 4:50 (Avg Speed: 4.2 mph)
Our plan was to start fast to miss the massive bottleneck when the trail narrowed to single-track, which would set us up well for the A corral for the rest of the week. The strategy worked, but we definitely paid for it. The first two-thirds of the course were tough—tougher than anything from TAR2022—partly from the pace and partly from the heat. Brian and I had complementary strengths, averaging 4.2 mph, which was faster than my target goal. We finished 4th in our age group, which was a total surprise. We decided to ease up a bit the next day because, after all, TAR is a 7 day stage race.
Stage 2: Road Miles & Reroutes
Distance: 18.26 Miles; Elevation Gain: 4,642 Feet; Time: 3:48
Unsurprisingly, the morning start was a little rough for me. This is one of my weakest disciplines. It takes me a while to warm up; Race Director Martin Hoffmeier didn’t do me any favors either, starting us off with about 8 miles of flat road and dirt track. This was a double whammy since road running is my other least favorite discipline. Once we got past the flats, things improved, as they usually do for me. A major rockslide on the original route meant a shorter day overall, which everyone was pretty grateful for with the big stages coming up.
Stage 3: The Real Alpine Terrain
Distance: 26.0 Miles; Elevation Gain: 9,150 Feet; Time: 7:07
It’s getting real now. This is the TAR I know. Two steep climbs; two long steep descents. First serious alpine day with lots of climbing. It was hot and sunny, which made it a bit tougher. Nevertheless, we managed a great time. Fewer pictures when racing cause who has time to stop. Sorry about that. We are 4th in our age group, which is amazing. The first three teams are sponsored runners. Crazy. We also won’t catch teams 1-3 but shouldn’t be caught by team 5, if we don’t break. I never imagine we could contend for a podium spot at an international race! Never count yourself short; do the work, see what happens.
Stage 4: Managing the Pace
Distance: 25.5 Miles; Elevation Gain: 5,709 Feet; Time: 6:31
A 4:00 AM wake-up call for a 6:00 AM start after the long day yesterday. Not so nice, but also a major component of stage racing. We decided to run a bit more conservatively since 3rd place was way ahead of us and 5th was a good distance behind unless we had a major breakdown. The strategy paid off— Brian felt better at the end, there was some delightful single track which is my favorite, even managed to snap a few photos, and then passed the 5th place team near the end to gain another 3 minutes.
Stage 5: Weather & "Plan B"
Status: Stage Cancelled due to Massive Thunderstorms; Alternative: Afternoon Hill Climb Sprint
Waking up at 4:20 AM to severe thunderstorms, we gathered to find out the 30-mile stage was cancelled for safety. While it was a bummer to miss the high mountain views, nobody was complaining about extra rest on Day 5. We were treated to alphorns and even got a short nap back at the hotel before departing for the train. Later, on the train to Scuol, Switzerland, we met a couple of serious mountain runners who were marking the course and they looked shaken from their experience in the high alps in the early morning during the storm. We trust Martin and no doubt canceling was the right call.
The organization that puts on TAR is called plan b, which I love. So today, they did plan b. Their organization is amazing. We gather, they say take this train, here are the details, and we’ll have an uphill sprint ready by 3 with food at the top. This is for over 450 runners. Amazing. Run was good and fairly easy with our position. Resting really for stage 6 and 7. Feel great and it should be fun!
Stage 6: Breaking Onto the Podium
Distance: 21.5 Miles; Elevation Gain: 7,605 Feet; Time: 5:19
Stage 6 started with a 7-mile climb straight up- classic Martin! What followed was amazing single track around the side of the mountain for miles. Some of the best, most runnable single-track in two years of doing TAR. That was great. Amazing. Really great weather. After the main climb and big descent, we passed the 3rd place team, which shouldn’t happen. It appears they were having a tough day. The idea of the podium (first 3 finishers) inspired a quick pace and furious finish; we crashed downhill at the end to a third place finish for the stage. Brian had to dig deep but we held off a late charge to finish 3rd. Amazing and fun.
Stage 7: The Finish in Italy🏆
Distance: 22.5 Miles; Elevation Gain: 5,540 Feet; Time: 4:39
7 days ago, 179 teams of two including 29 senior master men (total age >100) started TAR2023. Today 136 teams including 17 senior master men finished 7 consecutive days of running in the Alps. This included over 138 miles. Today’s stage was mostly cloudy so few nice pictures but we were more concerned about protecting our 3rd place finish. Most morning starts were hard for me (not totally unusual) but after several miles my training came alive. That’s a very interesting and gratifying experience. Grateful for the fitness and training program! Today’s run was mostly like a celebration for me. Maybe not for my partner Brian who worked so hard this week. What an amazing guy! He was only supposed to run 2 days, not 7. Remarkable. Today’s stage included some of the best single track running in all my TAR experience to date-thanks Martin! A long stretch of pine covered single track. My favorite! We finished 3rd in our age group and will be on the podium at the awards celebration tonight. Incredible. Lifetime memories. Awesome experience. Nice route.
#middleagefast might be more than a hashtag. LOL. #TAR23 #TARFamily #stagerace
The Takeaway: #MIDDLEAGEFAST
Last year, I wasn’t sure I could complete a stage race like TAR. I learned two important things last year: Yes, I can complete it; maybe more importantly I learned that I really, really like stage races. There are many components to being successful in an event like TAR but for sure it needs consistent work, understanding pace, great recovery, and trusting the miles put in months beforehand.
I want to thank everyone for their support over what amounts to basically a year of training. The time it takes me to train is enormous. There are too many to name (you know who you are) but specifically my lovely wife. The countless hours spent in the woods and all the Saturdays and Sundays when I am generally worthless following hours of running. Your support is priceless. Here’s to type 5 fun.
-Dream Big, Do Things That Seem Impossible, Exceed Your Own Expectations-
here’s a link to the datasport overview they prepared for us (DYNAFIT Transalpine Run powered by Volkswagen R - Anmeldungs-Service - PLAN B event company GmbH)
