Resisting Ultra temptation

In the exhilarating world of trail running, the ultra distance is often seen as an inevitable part of the family. But resisting the temptation to take on these ultra-long, ultra-difficult races can be a wise and enlightened decision. Here's our advice on how and why you shouldn't give in to the temptation to do more and more.

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Listening to your body and its limits

To get things off to a good start, we think it's important to remember that trail running, like many sports, is fundamentally about listening to your body. Staying aware of your physical and mental limits is essential to avoid committing to excessive distances... Opting for shorter, perhaps less mainstream, distances can guarantee safer, longer-lasting trail running, while preserving the physical and mental health of the trail runner. A valuable trophy!

Setting personalized goals

When it comes to goals, every coach will tell you that the key to progress lies in personalization. So, rather than succumbing to the pressure of the "queen" distance, it's far more gratifying to define goals that are adapted to your level of training and, above all, your personal aspirations. What if your biggest challenge in 2024 was to take part in several races close to home, while limiting your carbon footprint, rather than finishing an ultra on an island in the western Indian Ocean?

Quality over quantity

In addition to the distance covered, the essence of trail running lies in the quality of the trail experience. Opting for shorter distances in particular can offer the opportunity to savor each kilometer with extreme intensity. This allows you to concentrate on the quality of the race rather than the quantity of kilometers to be covered and or suffered, while exploring various terrains and landscapes. In short, less is more.

Finding your balance

As is often the case in life, balance seems essential in our training. For the average person, setting out to achieve a goal such as completing a race of over 80km and a large volume of ascent and descent requires intense and time-consuming training. Opting for other distances enables you to maintain a balance between trail running and other aspects of your daily life. In this way, running remains a passion without becoming a source of stress or exhaustion.

Finding your own way

Finally, if we had one message to pass on, it would be that it's perfectly possible to define yourself as a traileur without having done an ultra in your life. Resisting the temptation of ultra-distance running doesn't mean giving up the challenge, but rather choosing a route that better suits your needs, desires and objectives. Listening to your body, setting realistic goals and making the most of every experience on the trails are all part of the wisdom of our sport.

Whether over short or long distances, the essential thing remains pleasure, personal satisfaction and connection with nature. Finding your own balance in the discipline will make it sustainable and rewarding in many ways.