World Mountain Running Championships

By Holly Page

In November 2022, I was selected as part of the Great Britain team to compete at the World Mountain Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I realise this is an orienteering article, so I will keep the running part brief, but there was a lot to learn in terms of the challenges that arise when competing in foreign exotic locations!

We were immediately informed that there would be some significant challenges to competing in Chiang Mai that we would have to prepare for in advance to give ourselves the best chance of racing well. The most pressing of these were the high temperatures and humidity levels.

While many of the professional GB athletes on the team endured heat chambers on stationary bikes and treadmills, others, like myself, were trying to find a cheaper alternative to heat acclimatisation. 5-6 weeks prior to the championships, I started hitting the sauna a few times a week and slowly started increasing the time I was sat in there. I also started piling on layers to wear while training. I hated this. I dedicated an old waterproof to the cause, which is unwearable now! I was partially saved by a brief cold snap in Edinburgh, which made training in layers slightly more bearable, but after a few weeks of this I was fed up and eager to get on the plane to Thailand.

Before leaving, I also tested a few hydration tablets and gels – which I was told would be key to staying hydrated in such a sweaty environment! I was also told to keep an eye on colour of my urine whilst in Thailand to assess my level of hydration. In addition, my coach had carried out some research on the topic and informed me that I should try to consume slushies if I could while I was in Thailand, since they have both hydrating and cooling benefits.

Eventually my countdown came to an end and I was on my way to Chiang Mai. 3 planes and some 24 hours of travel later, we had arrived and I got my first taste of the 30degree heat and 70% humidity. I didn’t find that I was sweating too badly, so perhaps the sauna time had amounted to legs of a German athlete in front of me and outkicking a Czech athlete in the final 100m to finish 16th!

The racing action was not over yet. I was also competing in the classic up and down event (10km with a 500m ascent and descent) 2 days later. Recovery was tough since there was only one full day. I had a massage from the team physio and then spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool or in bed!

Sadly, this recovery paradise came to an end and it was time to race again. We would soon see if the legs had recovered or not. This race was just as hot, humid and yet again I spotted another snake. This course was far more technical than the uphill only, particularly the decent where there were many rocks, roots and ruts threatening my ankles. Eventually I made it down in one piece and had another sprint finish to finish 8th!

Overall, I had a great time competing in Thailand and I learnt a lot about adapting to the various challenges that were put in front of me. My biggest takeaway was that having a relaxed attitude and preparing well for an event like that goes a long way to being able to perform at your best !