It is the active volcano Popocatépetl which last erupted in 1998 but still constantly spews smoke and gases. Aside from the scenery it was a great place to run as the road had wide paved shoulders on either side, and no freakin snow, besides what you can see on the mountain.
Of course it also had the reality of being more than 2000 metres above sea level and this was, to say the least, a humbling experience. Things went well for the first 5 k as it was generally just rolling hills but I quickly knew that it was going to be different from any run I have experienced before. Within 15 minute my heart rate was close to 150 where as back home it would not have even gone over 140 for at least 2 hours of running. By 7.5 k I had climbed another 150 metres and the toll was starting to tell. I considered turning around at this point but knowing I would not be happy with 15 k total decided to head down the far side of the hill at least for another 2.5k and then consider turning for home. Well of course I was now going very much downhill and as such my heart rate dropped way off and I started to feel comfortable again. So much so that I continued for another 5 k with a drop of 250 metres before I turned around. That's when the ugliness began. By 15k my heart rate was close to 160 and I was feeling faint. I had to walk and did so for an entire kilometer. The somehow I got going again and managed to crest the hill and head back to my starting point. By 23 kms I was in trouble again and ended up walking for 3 or 4 minutes before I managed to give it one last kick. I ended up with 25 k total in a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes and very, very tired! I understand the elevation thing now!
Remind me never to sign up for the Puebla Marathon as it is run on this same road
Anyway, I did it and am proud of myself. I am especially proud that I didn't steal the little burro that was tethered along side the road. Believe me I thought about it at about 20 kms.
Thanks again to my dear, dear friend Andrew who knew how important this was to me and made the necessary arrangement to make it happen. He drove me out there, drove the route with me, provided the water bottles and also took that cool picture.
And nowI am tired and should sleep well I hope. I'm even too tired to check my spelling Cory so have at it!!
I wish to dedicate day 126 to Haile Gebrselassie, who owns the marathon world record at 2 hours, 3 minutes and 59 seconds!!
"There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream."---Anon
"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain."---Anon
love
peter
2 comments:
Congrats on your 25km. The elevation makes for a great training run. I love this pic! When Colby got off the phone with you last night, he was hyped about this volcano and the info you shared with him he shared with us.
Anyway, I want to thank Andrew for making this possible for Pete.
Looking forward to seeing you tonite! Have a safe trip home.
Love Roo
First, great job! elevation is an oxygen deprived place, and even walking can be a daunting thing, let alone running for a ridiculous distance like 25kns. Second, I think Jesus trips on mountains,cause if I was Jesus, I would use my super son of god powers to grow giant and then step on the people I don't like. Occasionally, I might trip over a mountain or two, but then I would just super almighty power it away any way. Have a good day.
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