Elena, what motivated you to sign up for this particular race?

I love participating in sports events on my doorstep. To do local stuff makes me feel more connectes to the place where I live. Also, I don’t have to think about transport and accomodation. I can sleep at home amd leave the House with my all my gear on!

How have you prepared for the UTMB Verbier?

I usually start running in february. From march on, I follow a training plan and run between 5- 10hours a week. I make sure I test my gear in all possible conditions. On race day, it can be very warm, very cold, very wet, so I must be prepared for it. For extrem heat, I dip my cap (and sometimes my head) in the fountains. The one for terrex works well because it gets wet but not heavy! In case of cold rain, I use a very light wind jacket from terrex that keeps a bit warm and a bit dry(-er)- it doesn’t get soaken. It is not about staing dry , but staying warm enough without having a tropical climate underneath the jackt! And for the shoes, good grip is important, so it must be trail running specific. Most running brands have some trail specific ones. I use the Terrex agravic speed.

What part of the course do you find most challenging or intimidating?

Definitely the climb up to pierre avoi. As this year I am doing the short course, the pace will be very fast, so it requires me to be fast also on the tecnical terrain and this is mentally demanding.

What do you carry in your pack for a race like this?

Well food is a very important topic when running and since I don’t like gels or bar, i usually cary small sandwiches made of local bread and cheese or sometimes peanut butter (not local) and home made jam with fruits I picked with the kids. Then of course I carry the mandatory stuff for the race, like an emergency blanket or an additionnal warm layer. I will pack a terrex leggings which is light to carry but keeps you warm when wearing it And of cours a running vest with 2 flasks of water or sirup.

What’s your nutrition and hydration strategy during the race?

About 200kcal per hour racing About 5dl of liquid per hour (or more if it’s very hot) about half of it is water, the other half is sirup or a sports drink I mostly take solid food, like the mini samdwiches I said, or nuts, dried fruits, bananas, bread , chocolate So basically I am wating small pieces all the time haha However, on short races, I tend to eat less (but not drink less)

How do you mentally prepare for such a long and demanding event?

I check the itinerary and cut it down into small pieces. Then I get a mantra for every piece. Or something that I can look forward to for every section. I.e. My family waiting at at a specific spot (with a refill of cheese sandwiches), getting to a pass or summit with a view, running on a nice amd flowy section or sweating and swearing in a steep and sunny , never ending ascent and asking myself why I signed up.

What role does the scenery and environment play in your trail running experience?

It’s everything. Running in the mountains makes you feel one with nature. With the endorphine and this sense of happiness inside of you, they appear even more beautiful. And when foggy, it can become a bit boring at first sight, but the meeting with yourself is even more real, there is no escape with the views, just you and the km! And sometimes the fog has something misty

Have you participated in other UTMB World Series races before?

Yes I have done the trail du verbier st bernard in the previous 2 years. But no other races of the Series.

What advice would you give to someone dreaming of running the UTMB Verbier one day?

Sign up as soon as registrations open (about 8-10 months ahead) to secure a bib Get a training plan (personal trainer or online plan) Train. Fall. Doubt. Visit the pain cave. Stand up and keep going. Do the race. Be proud of your achievement.