I first thought about travelling to run the 63km race in the Chilean Patagonian mountains after reading a blog written by Matt Flaherty, from the 2014 edition of the Patagonia International Marathon. Matt's account was so beautifully written, that alongside the images of the area, I was inspired to run. From the outset, I felt compelled to experience the tranquillity of running somewhere so isolated and wild for myself; I had to travel, and so it began.
Initially I had wanted to run the 63k, although having not ran a marathon before, I began thinking that this was a little bit 'out-there'. As luck would have it (or not?) the 42km was the longest duration for 2017, so that was decision made. Fast forward 7 months, and I was ready to fly, and began the 8500 mile journey to Chile.
Before the race, I spent a few days based in Puerto Natales, which is a beautiful frontier port city, surrounded by the Seno Ultima Ezperanza. It was such a beautiful place, with lazy dogs lounging around the streets, really freindly people, and the most amazing chicken Empanada. The only shock was the temperature, which was around -10, so figured that if it rained on the day, it could a long run!
 |
| Escaping the tour guide. Hilarious, as I said 'I'm just going to have a quick look over there'! |
I took a tour into the Torres Del Paine National Park, just to get a feel for the area. The actual marathon runs to the south of the main park boundaries, so to get up and close to some of the towers, and the wildlife was just stunning. With guide that I was with, we actually came within 20 metres of a family of Puma feasting on an unfortunate Guanaco on the side of the trail. I was absolutely blown away by this experience. The majesty of the animals was just so commanding, it was beautiful. Its so rare to see a single Puma, but to see a family still hunting and eating together is unheard of, and was such a good omen for the race. I did make a note to myself to run fast, and not to be last - maybe I would be the next feast!! This was just a small taste of just how wild and untamed Patagonia is; there is just so much space, so little pollution and just so much peace.
 |
| His eyes are saying 'Just give me half the chance, and you are next'! |
I took a small run to just outside of the city boundaries to push away slight 'cabin fever' and feelings of loneliness a couple of days before the run. I hadn't really spoken to anyone fully for a week or so, so it was good to feel I was doing something familiar, and also needed to remind myself why I was there - it's quite a long way form home, my Spanish (despite really trying to learn) sucked for the the most part, so it was really hard to join in with any conversation, so it felt pretty cool to run along the shores of the sound - it kept it real.
 |
| A 5 mile jog, to ease the Cabin Fever. |
I only felt slightly anxious the morning of the race. No rain, but 70 - 100kph winds where forecast! Getting to the start of the race was so cool - I met with some really inspirational people (huge thanks to Rajesh Jinabhai and Nuno) and also really cool to meet with Laura Jones who was undertaking her second of a Worldwide 7 marathons (another Welsh kid on the start line!). This made the entire thing so much easier. As with any race, or long training run, once you cross the start line, everything falls into place, and you just move. The scenes that we passed through where so incredible, that the first 12 miles or so just flew by. At the base of the main ascent, the winds did finally rise, and there where no half measures. I'm not talking gusts, but instead a continuous blast of up to 100kph - totally head on. Runners where literally being blown over, so this added a fair challenge to the run, but in a weird way, seemed to enhance the environment and the experience (a sucker for punishment obviously!).
 |
| The A Team |
Rajesh, who I had ran with for the first 16 miles or so, developed a pretty bad knee, so after talking we decided on me moving on ahead, and I then entered into a totally different head space. One thing that you need to understand about this marathon, is that it is not just a race. Its a complete experience. There are no crowds handing out jelly babies. Instead you can run for miles without seeing anyone. Its just so cool! I rounded a corner during the last 4 miles, into a more wooded area. The wind suddenly dropped away, and the silence was unlike anything I had experienced on a run before. I took time here, just to drink it all in - no sound, no time, no need to move - just peace. I could have stayed forever.
I ran for towards the end with Vanessa de Matta (which was super nice - such a great person!) before again moving forward to the finish line. It was so exhilarating to cross the line at the end - I couldn't quite believe that my aim had come to full circle. From reading Matts blog in January, to finishing my own race was a really emotional experience. One thing that surprised me - I had so much more left in the tank. I felt could have ran forever. I stopped just before the final decent to the hotel finishing line, as I didn't want the experience to end. Taking a final look around before running down to the field and crowd below, the one realisation that I had, was that I had to get stronger, I had to run further and I had to experience how far I could push myself as a runner. Quite simply, I have Patagonia to thank for igniting the passion for running in wild places, and for realising what I am capable of right now.
 |
| Me, looking pleased as punch. Would'a thought that 5 months later, I would just be ' nipping out' to run 26 miles! So Cool!! |
Sitting here writing this has been quite difficult. It took a while on returning from Patagonia to realise what I had learnt about myself. It is so much more than just a marathon, even if it happens to be your first. It is a fully encapsulating experience. If I could, I would run this each year, as I know that each time, I would see the same places, although have the time and capacity to see each and every one in a different light. One thing that I know for sure, is that this is where the seed of inspiration was sown to run Ultra distance. Not long now.
No comments:
Post a Comment