50km in Maderia 🏃‍♂️

The highs and lows of running 50km in Maderia.

I say highs and lows in the very literal sense as the actual run itself was a massive high and very fun experience.

The doubts about the run were all pre start.
It was wet, very wet. Authorised weather warning wet. Which delayed the start by 2 hours. Luckily we were able to shelter in a hotel swimming pool area. But there was a lot of anxious waiting, delays, will it be cancelled all together, where will the route go now…. the organisers were very good, kept us informed and did their best in the circumstances.

We then got the shout to the start line, the rain had eased off, the rainbow shone.  Before we knew it we were off. Course still to be advised. Just follow the markers.

Within about 30 minutes of the start the sky was blue the sun was out and the temperature was climbing. It remained hot and sunny all day, which meant spectacular views but hot running.

First few km were a gentle warm up along a coast road. Then the first hill arrived, the poles came out (I was debating if I actually would take them, so glad I did as they were then in use the entire time) the first 10km was an eye opener to the steepness of hills between 25-35% gradient on the roads, no idea the steepness of the paths and stairs.

The next 40km were a consistent up or down. Either steep hills, steps or a combination of the two. I knew from the profile it was hilly but what I thought were gentle undulations were in fact very steep climbs. Cobble paths made it slippery on the ups and downs so more walking than running was necessary to be safe. I found a nice pace and plodded on, i did have small concerns at the start if I had to walk the entire thing it would be a very very long day.
Chatting to people to see if they were ok, checking we were going the right way. Admiring the stunning views, as much as the climbs were steep the views at the top were so worth while.

Following the coast line of the north of Maderia the many ups and down I saw the blue sea, the green hills and small towns and villages along the way. Ticking off km and check points.

I was fortunate to find a like minded runner, sports enthusiast and all round good company very early in the race, a random returned dropped Soreen bar. We chatted about other adventures and cheered each other on. Making the 9 hours and 50km pass by quite nicely. Keeping each other on track and moving forward we made a plan to finish in the day light. We kept each other on track and naturally running/jogging along anything that looked flat or smooth, walking the hills. Due to the 2 hour delay at the start meant finishing in the day light was achievable but tough. As we ticked off check points we kept on track. In to the check point, fill up with water, fresh layer of sunscreen, quick handful of snacks, back out and on our way. The volunteers at the check points were amazing, helping fill bottles, checking in and generally a nice welcome sight.
I knew if I stopped for too long my legs would decide to give up so I was pleased my running friend had the same plan and we stuck together.

I knew going into the run I could cover 50km due to training over the past 11 months. What I had never done was run that level of elevation or done a point to point run over such a distance. The temperatures, elevation, terrain and being mostly self supported other than water check points were a new challenge.  

Getting to the third check point was my mental target as this was after the massive and biggest climb of the run, it was over the half way point and would signify only a half marathon to the end, “only” haha. In reality I broke down the run 1 check point at a time, one hill and occasionally just playing find the route marker. At no point did I feel I was not going to make it especially after check points 2 and 3, my only worry was getting too hot to the point of exhaustion, so made sure I went at a steady pace from the start.

Getting to check point 4 turned out to be harder than expected, it seemed to go on and on for ages, a steep climb up stairs and roads and more stairs. This did mean there was little or no climbing left when we got to check point 4 but wow it was a hot tough effort to get there. Using the natural levada’s  which ran ice cold water around the island dipping my cap or buff into it to have a welcome cooling soak was refreshing.

People talk about having A, B and C goals in a run. My A goal was to finish, B goal was to enjoy it and take in the scenery,  C goal was to finish strong. I never went into it with any expectations of time as there were 50km of unknown. I also use the term run as for me this was never a race, there was no expectations the only person I had to beat was myself. However coming out of check point 4 in the final 10km a small goal of sub 9 hours crept in. According to my watch ETA this was achievable. The fact the last 10km were relatively flat or a bit of down, on fun muddy trails along the gorgeous cliff edge and coast line. Made for a fantastic last 10km run. 

The finish was a glorious site. Coming into view after a very narrow Levada trail. 

Down hill. Along the beach front to lots of cheering crowds. To cross the line and get my medal was just a nice bonus, the real win for me was turning up doing it and enjoying something this time last year I never thought was possible.
Even a float in the ocean after was achieved at the end which was very welcome.  

At the end of the day after a 4am start, 61k steps. 51km run/walked and 2400m of elevation. It was time for bed. I did the fatal error of having a quick sit down before going for food, as I did not feel very well once I had stopped. Ended up waking up at 1am the next day starving. Ate all my snacks for an hour before sleeping until the buffet breakfast opened.🥐

Things to work on. Fueling I took on very little food. Only eating 4 gels and a few handfuls of nuts and pretzels, although I never felt lacking of energy, this may of contributed to being sick afterwards as my body wanted to shut down.

I did consume a lot of water and electrolytes which was my main priority. Trying to stay hydrated and not let my body temperature get too high. I think I drank about  8 or 9 litres over the day.

Overall I had a great time.