BTR - Running on a Volcano and the impact of the people you surround yourself with.

Welcome back to another rambling. Read along to know more about the race that took place this past weekend alongside some insights and reflections of a beautiful weekend surrounded by this incredible community.

BTR 2024 was the first race for the Flowerboys and it sparked a passion for running in  nature while seeing just how far our bodies could take us. Last year was special but this year felt like a huge step. BTR offers 7,15,30,60 and 100km distances. For those unfamiliar it’s based around Mt. Batur. Up through a beautiful forest, over its sharp and rugged rocks to the peak with its local monkeys and views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Runners then tackle a steep sandy downhill and enter the black lava field. It’s a vast expanse of stone formations which requires strong ankles, mindful footsteps and a positive mindset to get through it.

It was incredible to see our community come out in such a massive way. Each distance had their own little crews pushing one another,  the support on the way and at the finish line really solidified what an incredible community we have built over the past 2 years. We are so proud of everyone that stepped up to the line and grateful for those that came to cheer everyone on. 

I would like to share some insights about my personal experience in tackling the 60km distance. Things that worked, where my mind went, challenges and reflections after it was all said and done. 

Mindset -

Having people who didn’t doubt me was a huge help. I also found having a “why” for when things got tough that was greater than myself was good. I thought about my wife and son a lot and I also felt a sense of responsibility to show this community what is possible. I think having someone you are connected to doing things like this makes it seem more feasible. 

Not comparing myself to anybody else and rather being stoked for those that passed me by made things a lot easier. I think this helped me enjoy my own experience a lot more. I remember a couple of the elite women passing me in the lava field. The made me look like one of the million rocks standing still as they somehow glided above the sharp and difficult terrain. It was beautiful to watch.

Challenges - 

It was hard to not get too far ahead of myself, while visualization is good I really tried to stay present and break the distance into bite sized chunks. I trained in the more difficult sections which allowed me to know what was ahead. I found sticking to a pace I knew I could keep and not pushing too hard on the flats helped a lot. The middle and second half proved difficult for many of those that passed me early on. I had a mantra “ run when you can, walk when you need “ that seemed to work pretty well. Any idea of my body being tired changed a lot when I passed the first person doing the 100km distance. They had been out 12 hours longer already. To see them keeping on was super motivating.

Self Talk -

I chose to not have headphones. I quite enjoy being in my head out there. I found myself talking to the aches and pains that arose. I would welcome them in, adjust what was making them appear and show them they weren’t going to stop me by keeping on a forward trajectory. Being distracted by such beautiful scenes helped me a lot. I think being grateful for a body that can carry me through 12 + hours is so incredible. I said thank you. ALOT.

Reflections -

• At Points my body felt like a bag of rocks and my mind was butterflies and rainbows.
• Having Arno, Pepe, Dan and Carlotta at half way was a huge motivation.
• Changing socks, clothes and sitting for a few minutes made me feel brand new for the second half. THANK YOU.
• Practicing fuel and having a strategy I stuck to made it happen
• I consumed 80-100 grams of carbs per hour and 1000Mg of electrolytes / 1 litre of water per hour
• I found slowing down to consume the gels helped alot
• Training with the poles and developing proper technique made a massive difference on the climbs
• Having a crew waiting at the finish line was THE BEST
• Running has no ceiling. It’s amazing to know you can go as far and fast as you want to at any age.
• The impact this little cafe has is so special. We are literally making the world a better place when we show up and do hard things together.

Gear -

I think the trail belt from Satisfy was my favorite piece of kit. So easy to stay organized, hold extra water and poles securely. This and toe socks. Having cozy little sleeping bags for each toe makes a big difference for me. I was fortunate enough to wear the latest shoes from Norda . It’s so nice to not think about your feet at all. To trust in the grip on any surface and thankfully not lose any toenails this time around. 

I consumed mostly Maurten gels, I think around 25 of their 160 which offers 40 grams of carbs per package. I would take every twenty minutes and my stomach while it felt like a brick at the end never gave me any issues. For Electrolytes I always had 2 bottles of Supernatural and one with regular water to wash down the gels. I think consisten fueling helped me maintain energy levels. I saw a lot of people depending on aid stations and would be completely bonked at each one. See what works for you.

Wrap up -

Congrats to those who came out and did their best, continuing to break the mold of our own potential. Kudos to Shae who claimed top spot in the women’s 30 km ( Second year in a row for the ladies of Flowerboy ) Thanks to Johnny at Continuum for being the yin to our yang and pushing people towards the best versions of themselves. While I’m sure a lot of us dont want to think about running for a few days, I hope to see you continue signing up for races, training hard, and making the impossible a reality. LOVE you all, please add your reflections in the comments below. 

See you for a coffee and run soon!