Trail Kuršių Nerija 2024 (33 km).
On 19th of October 2024, I participated in the TKN 2024 (Trail Kuršių Nerija) trail run and completed the challenging 33 kilometer course with my wife. This was my longest and most hilly (297 m) run to date, as I only began running in December 2023.
I was eagerly anticipating the day, and Sunday morning finally arrived.
Preparation: I trained for the run by doing 4-5 trail runs in the nearby forest, focusing on incorporating elevation to simulate the conditions I would encounter.
Gear: I was well-prepared with my gear and packed plenty of carbohydrates for energy.
Weather: The weather was perfect for running: sunny and 14 degrees with a gentle breeze. You cannot even wish for anything better in a middle of October
Mood: I was incredibly excited and motivated, and I encouraged my wife as well. Waiting forward for a start!
I would lie saying it was easy, it was easier than I expected. Running through the forest and along the seaside was an absolute thrill. It was hard to believe when my watch showed that I had already completed 21 kilometers, surpassing the distance of my previous half-marathon on asphalt. I enjoyed every kilometer, taking in the beautiful views, smells, sounds of the waves, and the overall atmosphere.
However, it was essential to stay focused and pay attention to the terrain. There were plenty of hidden obstacles that could cause falls, so I made sure to watch my step throughout the race. I asked for like 4-5 runners “are you ok?” after them falling down.
However, around the 27-28 kilometer mark, I began to feel fatigued due to insufficient food intake.This became more pronounced in the final 2.5 kilometers, which were also the most technical. I had to stop for a moment and dig deeper into my backpack to refuel with a carbohydrate gel to finish the race.
Overall, 3 hours 17 minutes and 33 seconds later this was finished. 33 kilometers completed at 5:56 pace.
I was more than happy not only to finish the race (the goal was just to finish), but also do that in under 6:00 pace, which was my max goal.
I made the right decision to challenge myself with the 33 kilometer course instead of the shorter 21 kilometer option, because 21 km would not be enough to enjoy that moment and such an event.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s TKN! Let’s see what next year will bring me (maybe 40+/70+ or even 100+ km)...
If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, I highly recommend participating in the TKN trail run. It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself, explore beautiful trails, and experience the camaraderie of fellow runners. The stunning scenery, fresh air, and sense of accomplishment make it an experience you won’t forget.
So, lace up your running shoes and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and natural beauty!
Here’s a link to a short video capturing the beautiful views of the run.
Music: Ben Böhmer - Blossoms (th-cam.com/video/KoJJQSMd3eU/w-d-xo.html)