First of all, congratulations on your back-to-back Western States victories. Is this your first time running in the Alps? Thank you. Yes, it’s my first time running in Europe. I’ve been here two weeks, just kind of connecting with the mountain. It’s an inspiring place and the mountain is intimidating … but I love it here and it’s paradise to run in.
The UTMB and the Western States are both mountainous 100 milers, but how do you think the courses compare? I think the UTMB is a little more technical, there’s a bit more climbing … and the Western States has more descents – but the descents are probably more painful than the climbing …
What’s your descending technique? Have you got any tips? I try to be as light as possible – kissing the earth with my feet is how I try to think about it – just touch and be on to the next rock. I don’t need to lean in because usually gravity takes you enough, but I’m not leaning back, and I don’t put on the brakes – I’m always trying to be on the forefoot, being as nimble as possible.
Do ever walk the uphills in a race? Not much on the Western States – there are definitely a few sections, especially in the heat, where I’ll do a bit of power walking, but I’ll try to run the whole way. But I will be hiking in sections [at the UTMB] for sure. The climbs here aren’t super-steep, but they’re long and they’re relentless – and after 100 miles you’re fatigued, and it’s great to change up and use different muscles, so I look forward to some climbing.
What’s your favourite thing about running? I run to be in the present moment – at the point when you’re only conscious of each footstep. I try not to think about the race and how much farther I’ve got to go – but I’m definitely checking in with my body to see what can I do right now to make this work the best way I can.
Do you have to make a conscious effort to do that? Sometimes when you’re really hurting, those are times when you need to consciously take that effort and mindfully think: ‘I need to be concentrating on this next step’. Other times in races you get into this peaceful spot where you’re so in tune with yourself, and with nature, and you’re just really enjoying the run. I run for those moments of complete blissful peace.
Do you always get the same kick, or do you have to push yourself ever further to get that feeling? Some days you’re thinking too much, or you’re frustrated, or dealing with different problems in life. That takes you out of that present moment, so sometimes you need to run a little bit further to get to that point, but there’s not always the time, or your legs can’t take it. So you really need to be content with whatever you’re given. I have a wife and one-year-old son, so there are definitely times when I’ll pull up on the training to fit in with that.
Is it hard fitting ultramarathon training around family life? I’m a massage therapist by trade, but this past year I’ve done more of the parenting job. I watch my son from when he gets up, then later we have childcare for a few hours and that’s when I’ll go out and run. After that my wife gets home and we all get to spend time together, so it’s been working really well.
What’s your least favourite thing about running? Injury, when you can’t run … and some days are just off – it’s never fun if you’ve had a good run and then the next day you’re just feeling crappy. Sometimes I push through that, but I think that over the years I’ve got a bit smarter in deciding that it’s not feeling like a good day to run – maybe I’m feeling a bit sick, or I feel like I might injure myself, and I decide to pull back. But otherwise I love running and every part of it. Sometimes there are points in a race when it hurts – your knees and feet are hurting – and those are difficult … but those are also the points where you make it through and feel a sense of accomplishment.
What’s your favourite place to run? I run to visit beautiful places – and from Courmayeur back to Chamonix is just some of the most beautiful running I’ve ever seen.
How about nutrition on a run? I’m gluten-free and for the most part grain-free, so I don’t use bars. For racing I normally just stick to gels, which are quick sugars with a bit of coconut oil in for fat. Sometimes I’ll use nut butters – kind of like Nutella but with less sugar – which give a little fat too. For long training outings sometimes I’ll take bit of beef jerky with me. I eat lots of whole foods – meat, vegetables, fruit and nuts – kind of like a paleo diet.
What’s your favourite post-race indulgence? If I can I’ll find a gluten-free pizza – or maybe steak and some sweet potatoes. And then I’ll have some chocolate … and the gelato here is fantastic.
Do you use gadgets? My GPS broke a year and a half ago and I haven’t bought a new one. Especially in a 100-mile race, I don’t like knowing the exact mileage, I like going by feel – I’ll have a watch just to tell the time. I try to listen to my body, and the more I’m connected to my body, the better I feel – if I need to slow down for a minute, I’ll slow down.
Have you ever tried barefoot running? I do a little barefoot running after a run – in a grassy field for 10 or 15 minutes – to strengthen the bottoms of my feet and to focus on form. I like a low 4mm heel-to-toe drop, but with the rocky terrain I usually run on I like protection too – that’s more for longevity, because I don’t want to get stress fractures.
Finally, who would you say is the best runner of all time? That’s easy – Kílian Jornet is just amazing. The things he’s been doing [Kilian has won the UTMB three times, the Western States once, and this summer has set records for the fastest ascents of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn], pushing the sport to new levels, has been inspiring, and he’s just such a great dude.
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