#otillo16

Race Report #11: Breca Buttermere 2016

Rain, wind, hail and muddy trails - the Lake District delivered big-time according to any and all expectations one could have heading into a race in the northern fells.

The 2015 edition of the Buttermere race was a great introduction of swimrun in the UK and there was no doubt the GSP would have to return for another go. Due to approaching happenings on the family side, Fabian had to throw in the towel for this year’s event, so it was Markus and Knut stepping up to the task.

Following last year’s success recipe, the GSP drove up to The Lakes together with the Clapham Bruderwunderz, arriving in Buttermere late evening before race day. Race organizers could report of water temperatures round about 15 degrees and generally wet conditions after a solid week of nothing but Scotch mist. The weather report for race day looked promising as well; 15 degrees and rain, which would turn out to be spot on.

Filled with pure excitement for what was to follow the next day, the circumstances called for refreshments. Following a very short discussion we headed off to the local Inn for a quick beer before bed time. A phenomenal decision with a disastrous outcome. However delicious the local ale, something did not quite match with a stomach accustomed to German brew. Whereas Markus had settled for a cider and stayed clear of trouble, Knut spent the next morning hugging the toilet.

The start was set for 10 am which meant plenty of time for breakfast, morning yoga and race prep. This year’s race was a sell-out. Despite a few now-shows, there were still close to 90 Teams lined up in front of the Buttermere YHA. Due to the much larger starting field, the race start had been moved a little further up the road from last year, and also the first run section heading down to Buttermere had been slightly altered. Considering recent events, we decided to start out easy not over pacing the first sections and if necessary spend some extra time at the first couple of aid stations. That didn’t happen.

After absolutely killing (/over pacing) the first run, we also smashed (/over paced) the first swim to find ourselves tailing the Clapham Bruderwunderz along the trails heading north to Crummock Water for the second swim. However, knowing what was to come further down the road we decided to continue at our own pace from there. The first climb of the day comes on the third run section and gives the racers a proper welcome to the fells - if you didn’t know what you signed up for so far, you will know by now.

The weather was on and off the whole day. Temperatures were averaging around 15 degrees with all kinds of weather variations, but only little sun. On one single swim section, it changed from a slight drizzle, to heavy showers with serious wind, and by the time we reached the exit the sun was shining. Beautiful! 15 degrees and rain might sound chilly but it was the perfect swimrun conditions. Not too warm, running with the wetsuit on was a good option and despite cool waters, it was never freezing.

No doubt, having run the course last year was a great advantage. Despite some early race jitters, we made a good effort to save some energy for the later stages and we held up much better this time. We were after all well aware of what was still to come. Heading into the longest run section we spent some time at the aid station and grabbed a couple of flapjacks for the road. Coming back to Crummock Water, we were battling British Military Fitness Race Team for the second spot. The Bruderwunderz were a steady 5-7 minutes up the road and seemed pretty much out of reach. The distance to the front stayed at about 7 minutes and for some time we had a good hold of second, getting more than 5 minutes clear of third. But then came the climb up to Dale Head.

Approximately 550m of vertical gain over less than 1,5km – it was brutal last year, and it was no different this time. By the time we reached the top, our advantage was wiped out and we were more than happy to hold on for third. Coming down the Honister Pass having put the hardest part behind you, the last few kilometers really do fly by. Despite stomach troubles, tough conditions and Mr. Rössel continuously wearing his paddles on the wrong hands, we reached Buttermere in 6hrs 10min, a good 10 minutes faster than last year. A finish line beer has rarely tasted so good.

Breca Buttermere is turning into a true swimrun classic, can’t wait for the next edition!

Sincerely, your German Sparkle Party (#knutterbutters)