MEETING AN AMBASSADOR – PIERRICK

Hi Pierrick, can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Pierrick and I work at the Tourist Office. I’ll be 36 at the end of the year, so I’m still enjoying being 35. I’ve always been passionate about sports since I was a child. I started with swimming and judo when I was little. During middle and high school, I continued with those activities, but what I enjoyed most was swimming and running. I gradually gave up cycling over time.

After my studies, I first moved to the Hautes-Alpes, then to Haute-Savoie. I kept running—at first irregularly, then more seriously over the past ten years. I did a lot of downhill skateboarding in the Hautes-Alpes on quiet roads with friends. In Haute-Savoie, I mostly focused on running.

What types of races do you run?

So far, I’ve run distances up to 80 km, but this year I took on ultra-trail races, going up to 145 km. Most of the time, I run races of 40 to 50 km, which allows me to leave in the morning and be back by the afternoon.

What are the essential pieces of equipment for a trail race?

When it comes to equipment, having good shoes adapted to the terrain is essential, along with comfortable clothes that prevent chafing and manage sweat. Poles are useful for long distances, and a well-fitted pack is important for carrying everything you need. I have several packs, including a small 2L one and a larger 15L, but I prefer using a 7L one because it’s more comfortable. I also use a cap, sunglasses, and a GPS watch to track my performance and routes.

How do you manage your nutrition and hydration before and during a trail race to maintain performance and avoid fatigue?

For nutrition and hydration, I don’t follow a strict diet before a race, but during the race, I alternate between gels, drinks, bars, and waffles. I have a partnership with a brand that offers a variety of products like honey waffles, chocolate and caffeine gels, and chocolate-peanut bars. I make sure to stay well hydrated and consume calories regularly to avoid energy crashes.

What advice would you give to mentally prepare for a trail race, especially to manage stress and stay motivated throughout the race?

Mentally, I recommend breaking long distances into smaller goals, like marathon-length segments. It’s important to focus on what you’ve already accomplished rather than what’s left to do. Drive and motivation play a key role, and you need to be able to adapt and switch formats if necessary to keep enjoying the effort.

Written by Tristan, July 2024