Here it is!
Last November 5, braving hours and kilometers of driving, I took the wheel with both hands and made my way to Forillon Park near Gaspé for the Trail Fix Mont St-Alban. < > you will tell me, and you would be right. If the race was worth it, absolutely!
I allow myself to start with a more editorial part. I realized that one of the reasons why I prefer trail running is hardly surprising to find myself in the forest. During my last competition in Orford, I found myself quite disappointed to have climbed the mountain and not even be able to appreciate the scenery from the summit. Performance requires, we go down the eyes forward so as not to miss the next stream or the rock that wants our skin. A bit strange not to love nature but to ignore it in favor of its classification ?! This time, no regrets, I'm taking an extra day to go so far and at least going to see the country! And what a country! Yes, some races may seem distant, but by taking the time to plan a weekend, we can add value to our races!
(not bad as a backdrop if we stop for a bit!)
This is how I took advantage of the old start to walk the path which will serve as a challenge for the runners this first edition of competition organized by EPIC VTC. Mont St-Alban served as a playground with a loop of about 10km with an ascent spread over 3 or 4. The course seemed relatively simple technically, fairly wide trails without too many obstacles, some sections with stairs. The difficulty was especially in the rather long climb and the end especially downward which still had some small surprises for the too tired legs. On the other hand, someone had the brilliant idea of finishing the course by making it go along the coast, how do we think of our legs when we run on a beach by the sea?
What a surprise the next morning! My first snow of the season! For a trail race, the height! More pleasure!
A nice little race, no podium, no disposable glasses, a warm atmosphere, great what! Do you often see more beautiful places to finish a race?
EPIC VTC has hinted that they plan to organize more than one race next year, certainly with an event at Forillon Park again. To monitor…
Thank you to the organizers, Bruce and his colleagues at Parc Canada and the volunteers.
Congratulations to Jean-Sébastien for the victory, reader of the blog. I'm happy with second place, very satisfied with my performance!
Bye bye!
Leave me a comment if you like the storytelling formula or have additional questions, I'll be happy to answer them.
Mathieu boucher
Race website: http://epicvtc.com/St-Alban
great story. You make us want whatever I've run in this corner already. Incomparable run on the edge of the river. It must come from my Gaspé origins.
Very good text and great race!
I had the same thoughts as you after Orford, and once again on the summit of Saint-Alban, I would like to be able to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Difficult when you are being followed ... I have to thank you, because it is on your blog that I heard about this race.
Glad to have met you and see you next race!
really happy to have counted you among us at the end of the world. to be honest I didn't even know people had come from outside to run with us. congratulations on your 2nd place and see you next year! bring you your gang…!