Summer Vacation is almost here! Mont Blanc Marathon and Mini Cross

Silitch Family News:

On June 28th and 29th, Birken and Nina take place in the Mont Blanc Marathon mini cross and Marathon. Birken did his first race of 800m on saturday around the parapente field – very near to our house. He was a star and recieved a finishers medal just like his mommy did for her race on sunday. We had a fun family weekend enjoying the local sports of the area.

A little about the marthon in brief-Not your typical marathon – it has a new course this year with even more elevation gain. I will not know the difference as it will be my first mountain marathon. Le nouveau parcours du Marathon vous offre un dénivelé positif de 2445m (just over 8000feet in elevation gain) et un dénivelé négatif de 1480m (4850 feet in loss) It is going to be hot hot hot here in the Alps. The course is semi self contained w/ limited water and aid stations meaning you will have to carry water as well. The goal for me for this is to stay hydrated and finish the course! For more info on the course- check out the site.

Marathon Day!

We could not have asked for a better day- It was a little hot but not too bad. Most of the race was in the trees-or shade as we started at 7am. The water stations were good where you could refill your camelback. I drank lots of water and ate lots of gels to avoid cramps. Refilled the camel 2x. I was surprised by my result- I took tenth place for overall women w/ a time of 5:51 min. just 35 mins behind the winner> There were over 135 women who raced. It was a beautiful race in the Chamonix valley with great support from volunteers from the Chamonix Sports Club and the Chamonix Mont Blanc Running Club-as well as locals. Birken, Anders, Cassidy and Michael headed up to Flegere to cheer and give great support as well towards the last part of the race. I could not have done so well w/out the great support of my family and Cassidy! Thanks!

http://www.montblancmarathon.net/

Birken is just about to finish his first year at Ecole Maternelle. He loves his school and his teachers found him always smiling! They studied cows this spring and learned how to make yogurt and butter. His school celebrated science last week and had a festival for friends and family. They took a field trip to the local Swiss Alpine Zoo.

Here are some more pictures from our weekend!