What was described as one of the toughest races ever by both Amanda Lohnes and Cliff Worden-Rogers, it was all they could do to finish the tough 5peaks race at Tremblant on Saturday. Both athletes put in a great effort, Amanda finishing 2nd (woman) and Cliff finishing 3rd (overall).
The course had very little description besides 230m of climbing/decsending and it being roughly 10.2K in length. Under cloudy skies and cool temperatures, the second race in the 5peaks series began.
The field of about 60 athletes began the trek at the base of Tremblant mountain. Over the next 5K it was relentlessly upwards. Up, up and up. To make the journey even tougher, the course was muddy from a week of rain.
Most of the trail was single track that had also turned into giant puddles. As Amanda recalled getting advice from Cliff, “He told me to try and keep my feet dry for as long as possible, to help avoid blisters. Within 10mins I was ankle deep and it only got worse!”
Huge climbs, sharp jagged rocks, muddy trails with huge puddles were all tame compared to one section of trail which happened at about the 7K mark. At this 7K mark the lactic acid was high, hearts were pounding; both making the thought process slow. What Cliff described as one of the scariest things he’s done, all the athletes transveresed a double black diamond hill straight down. There was no snow. There were no barricades. Just rocks and wet grass for footing.
Both athletes were relieved to get this section over without any injuries. In Cliff’s race, it might have cost him the victory as he let the other 2 athletes get ahead as he winded his way down.
The course ended with another hair-raising descent. This time right next to a waterfall (which nobody saw because they had to focus on getting down steep slippery wooden stairs).
To give you an idea of the terrain, Cliff clocked the last K in 6:02. This was a little different the 3:28 he had last Saturday!
Amanda got her first podium as a runner which she was really excited about. She didn’t know till the finish where she had placed. Great showing for a first time trail runner!
Cliff was a little more gruff, getting beat by two sponsored Salomon athletes. He vows revenge on a course that doesn’t risk his season.
Both athletes will be back in Tremblant next week to partake in their first triathlon of the season. Going to be freezing!
LMS
Woohoo! Mander and Cliff. I’ve skied Tremblant. I KNOW those descents. urg!