Where will your path take you – the upcoming Tor des Geants

Alta Via 1 of the Tor des Geants race, Monte Bianco in the background

There was a time for all of us trailrunners – when we are not yet trailrunners – when we got the courage to make a change in our lifestyle, body image, fitness, or whatever uniquely inspired us to first put on a pair of shoes and take our first steps out the door. We started with a loop around the block, or maybe joined a running group with friends that supported us as we struggled through those first kilometres or two. Eventually, the pain and discomfort in our bodies disappeared, we learned a bit more about running, and bravely decided to enter a 5k race. And oh, how we worried about finishing last! But we didn’t, and we radiated in the glow of our accomplishment – and rightly so.

We ran some more, and eventually considered trying a 10k race. And so the cycle began – a few 10ks begat a half-marathon, and then seeing the marathon group in the running club group doing their long weekend runs initiated the thoughts that maybe we could do a marathon as well. Then we found out that a few of the running group – usually the ones who only showed up now and again – were doing a lot of their runs on trails.

Trails! Weren’t trails dangerous? And these people always looked a bit scruffier with their dirty shoes and dingy clothes. However, after several friendly invitation, we decided to join them one day. It was actually a lot of fun being in the dirt, the trees, and seeing animals. While on the trail or sipping coffee afterwards, and usually after a few discussions and some prodding, they eventually told you about the races they did. 50 kilometre races. We thought that was nutso….until they quietly pointed out that girl over there who had done 100 miles. 100 miles? That was just crazy talk, we could never do that.

Well, we had done a marathon, the trails were a lot of fun, these people were more friendly and a little less intense than the road running crowd, and though it seemed a long way, maybe we could find the courage to enter one of those 50km trail runs too.

Suddenly what was once “crazy” was now “possible”.

50km, then our first 50 miles, and then the inkling of possibility that yes, we thought we could actually run 100 miles as well. Oh, the internal strength and mental fortitude it took to reach that starting line! And how we cherished that belt buckle, sometimes even wearing it.

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I have been speaking of “us” in the past several paragraphs, and though this experience has been mine, I am sure we have all shared the experience from our first steps to whatever trail race we have accomplished, regardless of distance. Nor does it matter what distance, we run what we enjoy doing and what we are comfortable with. Personally, I relish the first time I do something new, such as taking on a longer distance race. The excitement, uncertainty, trepidation, and ultimate sense of accomplishment is uncomparable, and I love reliving the experience vicariously through other people’s success. Yes, I have run several 100 milers, but yes, I am very interested to hear about your first 15km trail run – tell me all about it, how scared you were at the start line, and how awesome you felt at the finish! I also embrace the experience of going long, seeing how I do in endurance events. Thus, I have made the progression in distance from those initial intimidating 50k runs, eventually getting up to 100 miles.

After a number of 100 mile events, I upped the ante and did a couple of week-long stage races. It was all incredible, and despite the initial fears I would start a new race with, with the right preparation and positive attitude, I found that I could succeed at pretty much anything I set out to do. I believed in my ability, not in potential failure. I believed distances were possible, not crazy.

I think this love of endurance and pushing my boundaries, along with the appreciation of undertaking a new challenge, has brought me to where I am right now: Courmayeur, Italy, where in less than 24 hours I will set out on the biggest journey of my life, running 330km (206 miles) of mountain trails with more than 24000 metres (77000′) of climbing in one continuous push. I am scared, I am excited, I am unsure  — I am entering a zone I have never been in before, but that is all very familiar. The feeling is not unlike that of the first 5k I ever entered, and I love it. Granted, my stress is based on whether I finish in 4, 5 or 6 days rather than 20-, 30- or 40- minutes, but maybe you know what I mean.   

So, that’s what I will be doing tomorrow – what run will you be starting? I am eager to hear your story and sense your feeling of accomplishment. It starts with the first step out the door…..who knows where that path may eventually take you! I know where mine is going.

Tor des Geants race info is here

Some preview video and photos I took from the course are here.

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