Planning Rennsteig

A few weeks ago, I posted a general idea for my Rennsteig race. I arrived at roughly a 6 min/k pace (plus some extra time for the hills), with a goal of under 8 hours for the complete distance). But for my wife and parents (who will come to support me before, during and after the race), I had to come up with a more detailed plan so they know when to show up where.

• My rough goal time is 8 hours (= 480 minutes)
• Rennsteig has about 1500m of ascent, at 3 extra minutes per 100m “up”, that’ll take about 45 minutes (which leaves 435 minutes)
• In order to run the 72.7k in that time, you have to be just a bit quicker than a 6 Min/k pace. If I base my calculations on a 5:55 Min/k pace, that’ll leave me some cushion to come in under 8 hours.

Based on this pacing, here’s the breakdown by sections:

Section	Distance	Height gain	Time/ section	Total time
Eisenach to Grenzwiese	26,8	800	3:02	3:02
to Neue Ausspanne	14,0	100	1:26	4:28
to Grenzadler	13,9	200	1:28	5:56
to Schmiedefeld	18,0	400	1:59	7:55

My wife and my parents will try to be at these stations, and I hope to be able to see them.

Now I’ve got to and pack my things, my parents and I will drive down tomorrow.