George Foster shares his reflections on the season and his recent impressive performance at le Grand Trail de Templiers in France.
I recently returned from France where I participated in the ‘le Grand Trail des Templiers’ race, an 80k trail race with 3600m of elevation gain. It was my second ultra-distance trail race of the year and my second ever.
As I reflect on the season, I am feeling tired from the long hours of driving and the rain in England. The postponement of the World Championships and the subsequent re-selection process has also added to my fatigue. This may be my last ultra, considering the mental and physical energy it requires.”
After my first ultra, I came across a comment on the England Athletics Endurance Twitter feed criticizing the use of the race as a trial for the GB trail running team, stating that it wasn’t “real athletics” and questioning the participants’ 5k and 10k times.
“What’s your 5k time bro?” “Uphill or downhill?” Photo: Sam Hill (@hill_adventures)
Unseen Hard Work
Such comments are hurtful and fail to recognize the effort and dedication we put into the sport. We commit to back-to-back training runs lasting hours, uphill tempo sessions, and high mileage weeks while balancing a normal life with work and family. But then again, Twitter is not always a place for understanding and empathy.
As someone new to these long distances, I approach these races with a certain level of ignorance, allowing for a unique perspective on what it’s like to compete in them. During the 7+ hours of the ‘Le Grand Trail’ race, I had plenty of time to think.
My thoughts followed a pattern that I now realize is similar to the 5 stages of grief, as presented by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Here’s how my inner dialogue unfolded during the race…
Denial
Is it possible that we are running this fast only one kilometer into an 80-kilometer race? Are 3-minute kilometers normal? I hope not. Ah, the first climb, relief! We’re slowing down a bit…to 5-minute kilometers, on a 3-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 18%. Once we reach the top, it’s back to 4-minute kilometers. Is this what it feels like to face death?
Anger
Damn, it really feels like death. Why are people pushing the pace so aggressively? What’s wrong with them? Relax, folks, we’re less than 10 kilometers into the race. We have a long way to go. Whose brilliant idea was this? Why aren’t my legs cooperating?
Bargaining
Alright, legs, just help me get to the 50k mark in a decent time. After that, we’ll take it one kilometer at a time, okay? Oh, we’ve already reached 50k? Let’s do a quick body assessment. We’ve covered 50k with 2100m climb in 4 hours and 18 minutes. No wonder I’m feeling a bit rough. Let’s focus on reaching the next aid station, hilltop, flat section, kilometer marker, or even that tree. Can you do that, legs? Uh-oh, is that cramp?
Depression
Only 30k left to go. Wait, what?! Nearly 20 miles and I’ve been running for over 4 hours already. This sucks. I’ve been on my own for the past hour. I’ve lost my way, costing me precious minutes. My supplies are not where they should be. My morale is crumbling. I won’t even finish in the top 20, let alone the top 10, which was my secret goal. What’s the point? Seriously, what’s the point? This doesn’t feel like a “real” athletic endeavor. If someone overtakes me now, I won’t have the strength to keep up. Cramps are plaguing my calves, hamstrings, quads—on both uphill and downhill sections.
Come on, legs. This is incredibly frustrating.
Acceptance
Well, forget it. This is it. There’s the top of the final climb, and I’m walking it. A top-10 finish is out of reach now, although I’m close. I think I’m in 11th place, based on my limited French skills. There’s one last fast and intense downhill stretch before the finish line. I won’t give up now, so let’s get it done.
Turns out this “descent” has more climbing than I anticipated. Is someone behind me? Well done, buddy! Good luck to you. I can’t keep up. I’m done.
We’re unsure what stage this runner is in, but it’s a beautiful spot for any of them. Photo: George Foster
Will there be more challenges?
This race is known for its fast pace and draws top mountain runners from around the world. It’s a significant event for many. As for myself, who knows if there will be more ultras in the future?
I love the idea of pushing my limits and spending as much time as possible running in the great outdoors. However, these races demand immense dedication and take a toll on the body and mind. Can I sustain this in the long run?
To be honest, I would participate in races of all distances and for runners of all abilities, just to silence the critics on Twitter. Let our legs do the talking.