My brief insight on how the run went down (basically equivalent to my IG post):
This 80k loop circumnavigates the city of Hannover via its beautiful green belt. The route features a mix of dirt roads, paved sections and trails, with little to non elevation change (according to Strava 235m). The only concern was to ensure I’d be taking each of the countless turns right.
Since I was less familiar with the northern section of the trail, I decided to tackle it first. Also ,according to my perception, the southern segment is the more appealing one. Which would mentally give me something to look forward to. The intention was to get the ‘challenging’ part done first, hoping I’d be settling into an easy pace early on. Reality looked different though. Until the halfway point, I was rather uneasy, busy with double checking the route, concerned about the pace, and frequently calculating timing and possible outcome.
Obviously I came with ambition, but knew I had to let go of it. Once I was passed the 50k mark, things changed. I was finally able to surrender, let the mind go blank and the legs took over. From then on there was just running. Complemented, or rather founded on a strong sense of trust and the confidence that it’s going to be a great run, no matter the outcome. Sure, I had 30k to go still. But I felt like heading home, eventually running the finale, that I had set myself up to now perform in the best way possible.
I was able to negative split the second half and bring home this run in a strong, controlled and well conducted manner. My objective was to stay sub 7h. Which I accomplished with a strong margin.
Comments regarding routing / distance / equipment:
1) Lost 2:08min. due to trams passing, road crossings, pit stops, re-arranging items in backpack, re-lacing left shoe, rude cyclists and navigation.
2) My old Garmin is tracking short. In comparison to newer models (when running with friends) it shows about 2% shorter distances. This course is supposed to be 80k. And I even added 500m.
3) Added the 500m extra, due to last minute, construction site enforced detour. Which was in the area ‚Maschwiesen‘, east of Seelze.
4) Counter clockwise would have been more advantages. More shade and wind protection along the norther section, when the sun stands high and wind is blowing east bound. Nevertheless I am liking better the southern section with its slightly undulated terrain after all. Which is good for motivation throughout the final stretch!
5) Backpack: 2.3kg load to begin with. In the end just around 1kg.
6) Food, & water supplies as shown on picture: 8 x dried fruit bars, 1 x homemade vegan cheese bun, 500ml tap water, 500 ml coke
7) Passport, Money: For approach via public transport. As I am based off of Bückeburg.
8) Pictures: a) Gear b) Before c) At km-50 roughly / Mittellandkanal d) After.
Conclusion:
1) Powerbank wasn’t necessary, battery lasted. Earphones not being used.
2) Two fruit bars left.
3) 1 Liter of liquids was on the short side, yet calculated risk. Used up the 500ml of water throughout the first half and stayed disciplined to distribute the Coke throughout the second half. At least of what I did not splash, due to the sparkling effects in conjunction with the bouncing caused from running. Contemplated sipping from natural water sources in the second half, but everything looked little sketchy and holding my rhythm overwrote my desire to drink.
4) Homemade cheese bun was delicious as a halfway treat.
5) High mileage training through-out April (run 1,700km from A Coruña to Tarifa) gave me the robust fitness, that I needed to having the run pan out the way it did.