Stage 2: Wildbad Kreuth - Achensee

After a rainy night, the morning was correspondingly foggy. We were picked up from our hotel at half past eight and taken to the start of the second stage.

Of the other runners I have seen so far, there is a bit of everything. From a boy about my age to an older couple in their mid-70s.

It started with a stretch of about 50 minutes through the forest, on narrow, rooted paths, past streams flowing down the steep slope and beautiful views, which would have been even more beautiful if it weren't for the fog.

I joined two women who were running at the same pace as me and ran with them until the end.

After a little over 300 meters of ascent, we emerged from the forest and could see a bit more of the landscape (and also the path that climbs another 400 meters). I have to say that I'm glad it was foggy. While we couldn't see into the distance as well, it was just the right temperature to run with a rolled-up sweater. A T-shirt would have been too cold.

Passing the German-Austrian border and an 83-year-old man we met at the top, who also climbed up the path, we arrived at the intermediate station over 1500 meters after eight kilometers: An alpine pasture where we could refresh and strengthen ourselves briefly.

Afterwards, we went back down towards the valley, along a well-developed forest path, past herds of cattle, 10 kilometers to the main road, where we took the bus to the hotel.

The hotel is a large complex with a tennis court, pool, and sauna (although I didn't use any of them) and rustic rooms.

At 8 p.m. we had dinner with appetizers from the buffet, three different main courses to choose from, and afterwards ice cream also from the buffet. For the main course, I chose the Swabian onion roast, before that a soup and afterwards vanilla ice cream with warm fruits (raspberry, currant, and cherry).

So we have already completed the most difficult stage. Tomorrow will be a relaxed stage along Lake Achensee before we go back up into the mountains the day after tomorrow.