Trans Alp preview: British raiders head into battle
Angela Mudge at Trans Alp 2009
Just over twelve months ago some of the UK’s top mountain runners swept all before them at the 5th Gore Tex Trans Alpine Run. On the eve of the 6th edition they are ready once again (albeit with a slight change in line-up) to take on the might of the world’s best ultra-trail stage racers….
Starting tomorrow (4 September) the 8-stage, 8-day race covers over 300km and 13,500 metres of climbing. Course director Wolfgang Pohl says:
“During the inspection of the route we have eliminated some of the difficult high-alpine portions in order to make sure we can carry out individual stages safely even under adverse weather conditions and guarantee our runners’ safety” The result is an unbelievably diverse and extremely tough route with very long distances asking participants to give their all. And, just as the western route, it’ll be on the most beautiful trails of the Alps.
Andy and Tom press on
2009 winners Andy Symonds and Tom Owens have been in great form in recent weeks and once again head for the start line in peak shape. The two know each other well, and are well matched in their mountain running abilities – great climbers, sleek descenders with big engines to enable a sustained effort over several days running in some of Europe’s toughest mountain terrain.
Angela Mudge has equally been in great form in recent weeks and after a second place finish at the classic Sierre Zinal race two weeks ago and the World Masters title only last weekend, the 2009 mixed race winner is ready. In 2009 Angela partnered fellow team mate Ben Bardsley as they won the mixed category by a huge margin. In 2010 the Carnethy runner partners-up with Germany resident Andrew ‘Chunky’ Liston.
Scot Andrew is no stranger to big races having run at World trophy races for Scotland in the past, and together with Angela will form an equally formidable duo that will take some beating, though they will face some tough competition from Ryan Sandes and Julie Doke.
The three took some time out to speak to MST about training, kit and mental preparation for this 8 stager across the Alps:
Angela Mudge:
“2010 has been a good year so far. I had a great time in South American cycling over the winter and early part of the year before moving to Europe for the summer season. I’m pretty pleased with my form to date too and come to the 2010 Trans Alp looking to do well and enjoy it with my new partner Chunky and hope the course is a spectacular as it has been in recent years.
My training has involved some long days in the Alps, so we’re both looking forward to the competition – I’m just disappointed Chunky hasn’t brought his bag pipes!”
Angela Mudge
Tom Owens:
“TransAlps prep has been going well over July & August. It’s a longer route this year & it will be a much tougher race for us. To reflect this I’ve done quite a few long weekend hill runs in July & August as well as one mid-week where possible. These have included some cracking Munro runs in Scotland. The long runs are my favourite part of training – they offer a chance to explore & tend to be with a group so there is some good banter. I’ve tried doing a couple of long runs on consecutive days in an attempt to get used to this. I’ve not raced much in July or August which has allowed me to increase the mileage.
However, I was also lucky enough to compete in a couple of long skyraces in the Italian Alps in July which were important to test fitness levels and to practice running on alpine terrain and at altitude.
Other training has been following the usual pattern fit around work. It has included some faster id-week running. Taking it easy before the race now. I’m experiencing the typical tiredness which for me always seems to accompany a taper, however, I’m certain I’ll be itching to start racing in a couple of days. Exciting stuff… and praying for good weather!”
Andy Symonds
Andy Symonds:
“Running is a simple sport, so you just need a pair of shoes, shorts, vest and some well defined legs right?. Well, how have I managed to fill a 100l duffle bag then? I’ve packed a selection of shoes (five pairs) to cover all terrain types and weather eventualities. There’s a fair bit of tarmac on a couple of stages, so I’ve thrown in a pair of Salomon XR’s, but I expect Speedcross and slabs to be the main footwear of choice. I also anticipate some foot swell towards the end of the week, so a pair of emergency 1/2 size up are well worth having.
Last year it was shorts and vest all the way, but with rumours of torrential rain this time around, the Fast Vests and Jackets and Paclites will be definitely be in the bag and ready to be donned this year. Tom and I strive for low weight and choose a minimalist rucksack which is just big enough to fit all the essentials, bad weather gear, emergency food, survival blanket etc… With the TA being such a long event, muscle recovery is key and hence post race chilling in Alpine troughs and fountains as well as plenty of Salomon EXO gear will be playing a key role in that respect.. along with handfulls of ZipVit protein bars.
Luckily we’ve got team manager extraordinaire Tim Lloyd to nail all of this. We just put on the shoes, run and arrive to a top quality massage by Andy Walling, followed by a giant cheese and ham sarnie and no doubt a few icecreams.. it is a holiday after all…
I’ve spent a couple of weeks hibernating in a Tibetan yoga retreat, psyching myself up for the sole goal of running flat out for 305km. Enjoying it is the key… if you’re fit (which i think we are) then it will be a thrill to traverse the alps for eight days. I can’t wait…”
