International Mountain Connection
In France, there are over 70 ultra trail races offered throughout the year. One of the favorites is, without a doubt, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. Before we get into the specifics of this race, let’s answer an important question: What IS an ultra?
Because of the pandemic, yesterday was the first day in two months that I could leave my home without an official document explaining why I left my home. Yesterday was also the first day in two months where I could go further than 1km from my home to run or exercise. And of course, yesterday, we expected rain.
Obviously, my personal requirements are not the same as a professional skier. I’m not hoping to stand on a podium, I simply want to get through my first day of skiing without my legs feeling like they’re on fire.
I’m long past the age of buying something because it’s “in” and all of the “cool kids” have it. If I buy something, I had better love it. No more buying on a whim and then never wearing or using it. And sometimes, I admit, I will sacrifice style for comfort. (Gasp!) But! It does happen from time to time, that a product IS worth all of the hype and I become a walking/talking advertisement for my new love. The latest example? My running shoes!
I love to go running on trails where I live, although it’s not easy to find places that aren’t covered in snow or ice during the winter and early springtime. Most of my favorite trails aren’t in good enough condition to run yet, but each day the level of the snow recedes a little bit more. Luckily, I found a fantastic new loop to run.
I have cabin fever! It’s been snowing for days here in Briançon. We have between 50 and 60 centimeters of snow on the ground. I can’t run on my regular trails because there is just too much snow!
Is this difficult to understand? Go to the adapted version!
Today I decided that I’d run at a Nordic ski area not too far from here. Usually there are walking paths that have been groomed so it’s easier to run.
The skies were still a bit grey, but there was no wind. The temperature was perfect!
I forget how much harder it is to run in the snow. Even though the path was groomed, I often sank into the snow about 20-30 cm. A great workout!!!
Even though I ran 5+ km, I have to admit I spent a good amount of time taking pictures. 🙂 Today it was more important to enjoy being out in nature than breaking any personal records.
I’m glad I was able to get out today. I’m not sure what the weather will be like this week, hopefully I’ll be able to get out for another run. Happy trails!
In parenthesis () there are explanations of words and phrases. These explanations are in italics.
I have cabin fever! (I can’t stay inside. I need to go outdoors!) It’s been snowing for days here in Briançon. We have between 50 and 60 centimeters of snow on the ground (land). I can’t run on my regular trails because there is just too much snow!
Today I decided that I’d (I would) run at a Nordic ski area not too far from here. Usually there are walking paths that have been groomed (equipment was used to make the snow was flat and even) so it’s easier to run.
The skies were still a bit grey, but there was no wind. The temperature was perfect!
I forget how much harder it is to run in the snow. Even though the path was groomed, I often sank (fell down) into the snow about 20-30 cm. A great workout!!!
Even though (even if) I ran 5+ km, I have to admit (say) I spent (used) a good amount of time taking pictures. 🙂 Today it was more important to enjoy being out in nature than breaking (creating) any personal records.
I’m glad (happy) I was able to get out today. I’m not sure what the weather will be like this week, hopefully I’ll be able to get out for another run. Happy trails! (Be well!)
This blog was updated October 11, 2019 to include an adapted version of the text and an audio version.
