Harmonie Mutuelle Paris Race Report
Race day arrived! Months ago, Jyotsna and I signed up for the Harmonie Mutuelle 20 km event in Paris on 11 Oct. This was the first thing we did for the trip and it served as an anchor for our timing and, honestly, going at all!
I had some training challenges over the Summer. I had a significant left calf strain mid-Summer and then, after a few weeks of doing well and getting up to 10 mile long runs, I had a significant right calf strain. Both occurred when I tried to pick up the pace a little. And seriously, it was only a mild increase in effort. It was frustrating because I wanted to increase my speed just a bit since I felt good cardiovascular-ly but my legs said, “No.”
Anyway, injuries are kind of boring to write about, but I really had doubts as to whether I could/should run this event. Which made me mad because there are so many races I’ve signed up for and didn’t do (mostly in residency), that I didn’t want this to be another one.`
My leg ached a bit in the days before the race but I felt up for trying. And literally, that was my thought- I’d do my best and try.
Jyotsna and I got up, ate breakfast, and headed over to the Eiffel Tower. What an iconic starting point!
We headed over to start, following the throngs of people. We didn’t quite know the exact workings, but we figured out they were releasing people in groups every two minutes.
The bridge we were waiting on was a scene! People were taking pictures with the Eiffel Tower in the background and a mix of really upbeat EDM and pop hits were playing.
We had tried to use porta-potties before the race but lines were long and there was an unfortunate lack of toilet paper. If I ever get back into this sort of thing, I will try to remember to bring a few sheets for the start!
The race itself was quite nice. As Jyotsna pointed out, it was really clean. No huge mess after aid stations, partially helped by the fact that this was a water bottle/no paper cups race. I had remembered reading that awhile ago and then completely forgetting that fact until I got to the first aid stations. No matter, that’s what a cup made out of my hands is for!
The first two kilometers took us past the Arc d’Triomphe, followed by several kilometers in the Bois du Bologne. Then the last 8 or so kilometers were an out and back along the Seine with the race crossing over the Seine at the Pont Royal by the D’Orsay Museum.
My leg held up and I finished! It was the most Zone 2 race I’ve ever run from a heart rate perspective. But I’m glad I ran the way I did because my prior leg injuries would happen quickly, zero pain to a lot in very short order. I did run faster in the last kilometer because I knew at that point, I would finish no matter what.
Approaching the finish line was fun and high-energy since spectators were beating on the large signs against the barricades, which made a really loud, motivating sound.
More steps and Eiffel views
Jyotsna and I found each other and walked over the Trocedro. I showed her the influencer favorite photo spot at Avenue de Camoens, which is quite a beautiful setting. The Eiffel Tower is a perfect distance away and framed by beautiful houses and a stone wall that everyone sits on.
We walked through the grounds of Musée de l’Homme, which is also pretty. Then we headed back to the hotel.
Along the way, we passed another popular photo spot, so I dropped a pin to remember. Which was great, because now I can look back and see it is the Rue de l’Université!
Bon Marché and The Grand Epicerie
We got back to the hotel, showered, changed, and headed out to go to The Grand Epicerie.
But first! I wandered through the Bon Marché, which had a cool, Japan-focussed temporary theme with awesome pop-ups and cool decor.
We went to the Truffle restaurant, which was close to closing. They agreed to make truffled toast for us, which was really delicious. We toasted our racing success with champagne.
Picnic on the Seine
Then, we went through the store to buy items to take home, as well as items for a picnic on the Seine.
We had an amazing picnic: fish dips, two kinds of cheese (Lagiole and goat), baguette, sliced bread crisps, olives, and potato chips. A friend of mine from work happened to be in Paris and he joined our party, which was a lot of fun. He had gotten a hotel/concert package for Celine Dion and actually had third row seats. He said it was amazing and his snippets on his IG stories backed it up!
It was so delightful. The night was beautiful and we watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle. Then we parted ways with Jose and went back to the hotel. We packed and got ready for the morning. It was going to be an early start but we were ok with it- we have to get back on West Coast time anyway so what’s the big deal with an early wake up? Everything. Jk, it was fine.