What does not destroy me, makes me strong.
-Nietzsche
Just like muscles, when your mind breaks down, when it is depleted, it repairs and builds itself back stronger. I like to think after taking on the Transylvania 50k, I have built myself up stronger. Time will tell how lasting that strength is.
Transylvania was a beast of a race. Let me start with the elevation. The overall gain was 3,328 meters or 10,919 feet.
It is a race that goes through the Bucegi Mountains in Romania, which is part of the Carpathian Mountain Range. It started in Bran, a small town that houses the infamous Bran Castle, Dracula’s home. After the start, it went straight up into the mountains.
One of the harder moments in the race was when I saw the steep, snowy, narrow gorge that we had to climb. I actually gasped when I saw that. I am not a gasper.
But, what does one do? One powers onward and upward. I took a quick bite to eat to restore energy. I drank some water from my hydration pack, threw back a salt tablet, and started, step-by-step up the gorge, following a line of runners. I was about halfway up the 900 meter climb when I heard a lot of yelling. Confused, I looked up and saw a man falling from the top. He was sliding, rolling, knocking people over as he fell, even catching air. A few men tried to stop him, but could not break his fall. By the time he was a few feet in front of me, two men had had time to plan catch him together. They thankfully were able to stop him from falling all the way to the bottom. After checking on him, offering food, and trying to figure out how badly he was hurt, we had to move on. It was not safe to stay there for long. I truly do not know if he broke anything, but there was no way any rescue team could have gotten him off that mountainside. He had to have continued to retrace his steps. After that, I made each foothold a careful decision. I went one step at a time, thinking I simply had to be okay and get up that gorge, without quite literally killing myself.
With all that elevation considered, we also climbed up narrow gorges, endured hail for a few hours, ran with lightning that was too close for comfort, and a pushed on through steady rain the rest of the day. The sun did not grace us with her presence. With all that rain comes mud. The mud did me in. I was actually feeling quite well both physically and mentally, considering, until that mud showed up for most of the last 10k. I slipped, slid, and tripped my way down, which consequently led to swearing at the heavens and earth–swearing at the earth for what it unapologetically does; reminds us that it will forever be stronger than us. To be reminded of my own weakness, of all of our weakness, is an important and humbling reminder of nature’s power. There aren’t any mistakes in nature.
Somehow, through all of its harsh environment, or maybe because of it, Romania managed to amaze me with its absolutely stunning scenery. The views were breathtaking and vast. At the top, it was still, quiet, and unpopulated except for the odd trail runner. We ran in the clouds, haunting and sweeping though and onward as quickly as they appeared. The air was pure, crisp, clear, even if it was a bit thin. The infamous Bucegi Mountain roamer was not spotted–bear, wolf, nor Dracula.
I don’t think anyone can exactly answer the big whys of our psychology. Why do we run? Why do we participate in voluntary pain and suffering? Why seek this kind of adventure? Maybe it is human evolution and our primal drive to win that makes us partake in ultra endurance. I’m not entirely sold on that theory. I do think and accept there is a fair bit we don’t understand about the human spirit, or the runners’ spirit in this case, but I can say I got a little closer to understanding my own humanity and capabilities. One thing I can say for certain, my mind and body is restless.
I was prepared to repeat mantras to myself. I even had a few in my mental bank, but I ended up not really needing anything like that. I felt very much present and in the moment. I felt and thought about each step, each pain, each beautiful view. As I was getting closer to finishing, the kilometers felt longer and longer. I can assure you that a kilometer on the trail after running for hours, feels much longer and much more painful than most kilometers. Even through the pain I felt grateful, because as my husband reminded me right before I took off to the start line, if I am in pain, it means I am still alive. I finished with that thought in mind.
Connectivity. Perspective. Humility. Gratitude. This is what I gained along one of the
hardest races I have experienced. Connected to nature and all of its give and take. Perspective of what really matters in life. Humility in knowing how simple and vulnerable humans are, and also how there will always be someone stronger than you.
Crossing severe terrain, massive elevation, and seeing unmatched mountainous beauty like this was a once in a lifetime experience and I am grateful that I was able to be part of it.
Check out this cool video by Chrash700 on YouTube (I even make an appearance or two):
And this one by Arie Fishler:
****
I was not only able to see Bucegi Mountains up close and personal, but I also got to tour around Bran, where the infamous Bran Castle is; Dracula’s home. The night before before the race, we wandered around the small town, buying souvenirs and I tried a fresh pretzel from a local bakery (carb loading!). I sadly did not get the chance to try too many local Romanian dishes, but I would like to go back and complete the experience.
Usually, traveling takes the forefront of a lot of my races, but I just did not have the time to see enough of Romania due to only having the weekend for the race. Considering my race took all of Saturday, that did not leave much time to see much else. However, I did pick up some knowledge on Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Bram Stoker wrote Dracula with this castle being assumed as inspiration. Interestingly, Stoker never actually went to Romania. He wrote it from Britain using pictures of the castle to develop the setting. People have drawn comparisons between Vlad the Impaler and Dracula, whom was viewed as blood-thirsty and ruthless. Also, ghost and spirit folklore surround Bran; people that are normal during the day, but go around haunting and torturing others in the town at night. Perfect setting for a vampire tale, right?
In the castle, there were torture chairs, game rooms, stone walls, windows that looked out onto hills, and small winding staircases that seemed to go on forever. One could easily imagine a vampire wanting to reside there for eternity.
The castle was completed in 1388 with the purpose of stopping the Ottoman Empire expansion. Vlad the Impaler passed through Bran in 1459, burning surrounding villages and murdering hundreds of Saxons along the way. This is where he gets the ruthless reputation we all know him for. There were many kings, princes, and wars that passed through history here, where somewhere around the late 1800s, the castle started to fall apart. When Transylvania became part of the Greater Romania, Queen Maria restored it and used it as a residence. It eventually became a museum, and now legally belongs to Archduke Dominic, Archduchess Maria Magdalena and Archduchess Elisabeth.
After all the touring and race prep, we needed to work on our carb loading lunch. We ordered a few pints and just as they arrived, the storm rolled in.
I’m so glad you didn’t “..quite literally killing myself…” on this race.
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Me too! I made it home 🙂
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Words like “amazing” and “awesome” are close but not quite right to describe the challenge you took on and conquered!!
I’m so very proud of you, daughter!
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Thank you, Mom! Once in a lifetime 😉
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Amazing! Your pic didn’t do the full story justice. This is an awesome feat! Did you book this through a travel group or yourself?
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Thank you! Maybe I should change the picture. 🙂
I just booked it myself. Lots of logistics and traveled solo! Yikes!
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Hey Tara – saw that you linked my YouTube vid. I read your blog post with enjoyment. Quite well written! Glad to have ran (well, I walked a lot) near you and hope you have many successes with travels and running in the future. Will follow you on Strava. Take care! Chris
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Great! Looking forward to following you back on Strava. It was a pretty amazing run/hike. Thanks for getting video of it! I completely forgot to take video.
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Tara, thank you for taking me along on this race. What a race for your 1st 50k. Reading of the runner sliding down the mountain was intense. Your pictures were hauntingly beautiful. You captured the spirit within yourself so tremendously. it is something that ultrarunners who compete in such epic events would fully understand. It really does change one’s perspective on life. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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Thank you! It does really change a person. I am already on the look out for another 🙂 I am excited to follow your blog and read more of your insight into this world.
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Always love it, when we runners just finish one ultra, no matter how gruelling it was, we are looking out for another. I am doing that myself right now. Honoured to have your follow Tara. 🙂
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Keep me posted on which one you decide on as your next ultra!
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A riveting and gripping account, Tara. Congratulations on finishing!
Pain reminds us we are still alive: indeed! This is a mantra I will keep with me!
Lovely photos and views – beautiful!
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Thank you for stopping by and I am glad you liked it.
There are so many life lessons to be learned in running.
Happy running!
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Hi Tara…
Remember me?! It was a pleasure to meet you and run some kilometers with you (y)
It was a realy hard race i am glad to hear, that you finish healthy the finish line.
Maybee see you again on one of the thousands running track all over the world.
Cu
Dirk
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Hey Dirk!
I was wondering if I would hear from you! It was great running with you. I slowed way down with that mud, so lost a fair bit of time then, otherwise I maaay have been able to keep up with you 🙂
It was a hard race, glad to hear you made it alright too, but I really didn’t have any doubt. You looked like you had it.
I will start looking into some races in Germany like you suggested. I have always wanted to go, now I will have an excuse.
Happy running!
Tara
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And thank you again for helping me get across that river!
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Hi..
No prob, this is trail running (and the mind of my other Passion obstacle course racing)!
Always a helping Hand 😉
During the first quater of the race, i got some cramps and my muscle were not so strong.
I thought it will be hard and it was but during the race it goes “every hour better”.
During the last 2 or 3 downhill runs i could make some good pace so “it works” 😉
If i “lost” you on the single trail bevor the hikers came, i looked many times back maybee i saw you…but i thought u hang behind the hikers….
So you lost 1 hour to me i think 😦
If u will do some race in germany give me a mail or pm.
i am on Facebook, look for Dirk Petersilie.
See u and have a good time in croatia.
Dirk
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I thought I might see you again too. Those hikers were kind of hard to get around, and the fog was pretty thick at that point, but what did me in was the mud. Lesson learned–more traction on my shoes next time.
I know you mentioned a few races in Germany, but if you have time, could you send me the names of a few cool ones? I can look into them closer.
Take care,
Tara
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The biggest trailrunning weekend: https://zugspitz-ultratrail.com
One of some People say a “must have”:
Rennsteiglauf 73km: https://www.rennsteiglauf.de/
Some nice but small:
Siebengebirgsmarathon: http://www.tripower-rs.de/7g-marathon/
Rothaarsteig Marathon: https://www.rothaarsteig-marathon.de/
Monschau Marathon, Monschau
Harzquerung 50km, Wernigerode
Fichtelgebirgsmarathon, Wunsiedel
Königsschlösser-Romantik-Marathon, Füssen
One crazy one:
http://www.erlebnisbergwerk.de/de/veranstaltungen/sport/kristallmarathon.html
Marathon in the Underground of an salt mine
12 rounds and some highmeter 😉
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I knew you would be the man to ask! Thank you!
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Now I need to start making some decisions!
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What a view!! A little late but dang! Congratulations!!!
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Thanks! It was so gorgeous (and brutal)! I want to go back to Romania just to see more of it.
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