The Val D'aran 100k race is getting very close! In this video I buy some new gear, go over all the mandatory gear for the race, and by the end of the week end up slowing down a little... :S
I did my first 100k last year at Grindstone. One-third of the starters DNF'd. Unsolicited tips: Make sure your crew is there to get you through the aid station quickly, not to hear your race report. Don't be discovering your foot care (proper shoes, socks, blister avoidance) during the race. Be sure you know how the cut-off is determined (eg when leaving the aid station). DO NOT trudge the uphills. March up with purpose. You have the right idea in breaking up the course into (well-studied) sections. A 100k is not 50k times 2. More like two 50ks, then being hit by a bus and having to run/limp another 10-20k in the dark. But worth it. In your case (and Grindstone 2023) that extra 8km is noticeable. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.
Great video series. Been fun watching your progress. I have a 118k here in Canada in Aug and the terrain/elevation is almost identical. What program are you using to see the course map?
