Hi all,
I've just provisionally registered for this race. I would be interested to hear some of your stories. Pro's / Con's / lessons learnt.
All the best and good health, Rileforce
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Hi all,
I've just provisionally registered for this race. I would be interested to hear some of your stories. Pro's / Con's / lessons learnt.
All the best and good health, Rileforce
I've not done this race, nor been to La Palma, but I've ran in the Canary Islands, and can offer the following, which may help a little...
- sun and heat are a big factor. The temperatures might only be 25c or thereabouts, but the southerly location means the sun is really strong, and can easily feel a good 5-10 degrees hotter.
- not entirely sure on the terrain/paths/etc, I assume it's on fairly good trails as its such a popular race... but I've been on a nearby island and getting up onto the volcanic mountainous terrain (off the trails) tore through my trainers a lot quicker than British fell terrain would.
- take some sunglasses that you are comfortable running in.
The Canaries really are beautiful, ideal for running, and justifiably renowned as big triathlon country. But what strikes me when you get out there is how few people actually get out into the real country. Obviously your race will be different, but on a standard day you could see very few people "on the trail" yet countless people pounding the promenades in the resorts.
Agree with all that. Haven't run the Transvulcania...yet, but have run Trans Grancanaria 2016 and the TGC marathon earlier this year. I suspect the trails are similar as all the islands are volcanic structures. If so the trails are rough and there is very little easy (switch off and cruise) running. I found the TGC 2016 brutal. It's hard to get ready for a race in February that has 28,000 foot in it. You have a bit more time for Transvulcania, but to do your best I think you need to start building hill miles in mid winter. Not easy. I'm registered for TGC next year and plan to have a down time in October, then start building up in November.Quote:
Originally Posted by Travs
Thanks for the tips. Hill training it is :)
I also did the TGC the same year as Alan and had a place for this years Transvulcania but couldnt travel at the last minute as my wife was ill. But I will be going next year. I think an issue may be running for a long time at high altitude in the sun. I guess hydration and food will be even more critical.
Steve
I did this race in 2016 and it's an amazing event. I made it a family week long holiday and stayed in Los Llanos about 10 min walk from the finish. The event is very well run and the aid stations are well stocked with food and drink. There is a lot of hiking involved and overtaking is tough at the start due to the amount of people. The paths are a mix of really smooth trails or sandy/gravel which you sink into a bit. The final huge decent is a killer with some rocky footpath switchbacks down to the beach. If you need any more info let me know and have fun!
Chris.
What counts as a qualifying mountain race for the Transvulcania events? Is there an approved list anywhere, as for the UTMB, or will they accept anything with distance and ascent?
Fro memory the aplications stated any mountain race over 40k. Later in the form it also asked to provide your points http://www.i-tra.org < Luckily I collected some of these from the few ultras I have done.
Hi Chris,
What resort did you stay at? Ideally I think I will want to be near end Los Llanos. I have booked my flights, just not booked my accommodation yet. Many thanks in advance
I'm entered in the Transvulcania marathon and have rented a house in Santa Cruz not far from where I understand you can catch a shuttle bus to the start.
So far, I've managed to book flights to and from Gran Canaria, which still leaves me about 300 miles short of La Palma...!
I'm hoping to pick up a local Canaries flight nearer the time; either that, or my swimming has to improve dramatically.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rileforce
Hi rileforce
Sorry for the mega late reply. Me and the wife and kid stayed here in los llanos. It was a really nice apartment within walking distance of the main bit of town. There was a mini market next door for some bits and bobs. Hope this is of some help even though it is months since you asked.
Cheers, Chris
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_...y_Islands.html
Chris > Thanks for the link. Very helpful.
Tussocks > I decided to go for as cheap as possible... I am staying at 'Oasis San Antonio'. This is East of the Island, 5 minutes walk from the 'designated package hotel'. So I am hoping there will be shuttles going from there :)
I originally wanted to stay neat Los Llanos as that is where the finish line is = stumble back. But everywhere is pretty much booked up. I'm travelling solo for the week so the East side has a few more restaurants etc...
Let me know how you get on...
Have now managed to book my missing travel segment so it's now beginning to dawn that I might really be going...though after a series of injuries, I'm taking nothing for granted. I'm hoping that all the bus shuttles work, especially to get me back to Santa Cruz from the finish (assuming I get there!)
Yup, sure enough. Tore calf again today on training jog. Looks like another month or so out of action.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tussockface
When I posted that comment yesterday I didn't realise my pessimism would be justified quite so quickly.
Have finally had to pull out of this. Had just about sorted out the calf but fractured my shoulder on Saturday and am now looking at several months of recovery and rehab. I'm losing count of missed races and wasted entry fees. Roll on 2019...
Still, I suppose I shouldn't complain too much about the prospect of a week on an island doing nothing.
Rubbish news Tussockface! Enjoy the sunshine and a beer
I think I can manage that!
TRV added to my 'unfinished business' list for next year.
Good luck to you. Have a great time.