First DNF
Well, I guess it was bound to happen someday...
I got into trail running about a decade ago, been around 15 years since I started running. I've run more races than I can remember, always trying to be faster, to go further. If I can run 10k, surely I can do 15, right ?
My biggest accomplishment was a 50k (2300m elevation) which I crushed (at least, by my standards). The final push was pure pain but this was one of my proudest moments. This was 2 years ago on Mont Ventoux, France.
Since then I've gone softer, lighter on training, just running for the fun of it. Stuck to 15 to 30k tops, didn't really care about the performance.
Then came that night at the restaurant. About 8 months ago, a large table with running friends. One thing led to another, and what do you know, about 10 of us commited to running a non competitive 80k, connecting 2 holy cities. Start at 7am with the bells of Rocamadour cathedral ringing, try to reach Cahors cathedral when its bells ring at 7pm. No winner, no timer, no podium.
I've done 50 with a clock running. I can do 80 with half the elevation for fun...
Yeah well, that was humbling.
The turning point was mid-course. While some friends were celebrating being now closer to the finish line than the start, my brain broke realizing that I had to do what I just did, again. I pushed through to the 50th before throwing the towel. My body wasn't working right anymore, my mind was playing tricks on me, and while I could have struggled up to the 60th, maybe 70th, it was obvious I'd never finish before 7pm by a looooong shot. Made the choice to cut my losses and avoid a stupid injury, called a friend to pick me up.
What a strange experience. Being from the Dragon Ball generation, I understand the happiness of being obliterated by an opponent so powerful... It just gives you the motivation to train harder than ever, and face them again.
And that's what I'll do. I will train. I will get better. And I will fuck you up, Trail de l'Angélus 2027. You will not beat me again.