Now THAT'S a race report. I think you have set the bar.

Amazing pics! And congrats on a great race... although I think the after part looked just as fun :)

Thanks for reading.

CadenceGuy, on the bike trip part, we pretty much planned to wing it (I speak German and we've both had train and other travel experience in the area). As it turned out, Anton's bionic cousin Yves came along, too, and so we essentially had a local 'guide,' which made it even better. I say bionic because, on no specific training, Yves rented an S-works without much in the way of climbing gears and rode it in his sneakers and did just fine. We were not exactly in the main tourist season for the area, so train and hotel reservations were not really needed. I'm sure it gets pretty crowded in July and August.

Star, that is great that you are doing the IM there. I looked at the map for the bike course and it looks like it doesn't quite go as far south as Rapperswil. But it looks like they have their own "The Beast" climb. Anytime you're going from the lake toward the more 'landlocked' parts, it's not going to be easy. That one takes you to the Egg, which is pronounced more like "Eck" but makes me laugh anyway. You can also see the Pfannenstil on the map in that area. We took a slightly hilly hike/walk there on the Tuesday after the race. In any case you will have so much fun out there if it's anything like we experienced.

BTW I read your report about the ultra a while back...I've had some blister issues too...this is one of those, "we can put a man on the moon, but..." things. How hard can it be to make shoes/socks that work?

Thanks for the info, M. I'm getting excited about IMS. I've been to IM Germany, IM Austria and IM Switz will be the last of my Germman-speaking IM tour :) If you have the chance...go! It is SO incredible to race in the old country.

As for the blisters...I've been using "New Skin" (its like nail polish) and Gold Bond Powder...along with Injinji toe-socks. I bought new shoes, and after a ridiculously hot and humid 7-hour run yesterday, I had NOT ONE blister! Give it a try and good luck with your racing!