Try trail running!

Meet… Aurore Degeilh, a hiker who has taken up trail running.

Aurore, a 36-year-old from Couserans, answers questions from Stephanie, a curious person who doesn't know much about trail running...

So first of all, what is trail running?

It's running with elevation! It's challenging yourself to run on different, very varied paths. That's what I like about trail running: it's always changing! And when going downhill, I like jumping from one rock to another, like a deer. Haha.

Do you need special equipment?

For me the most important thing is the shoes. It's very traumatic for the body, you need good shoes to cushion well and be comfortable. After the rest, it depends on the needs of each person, for example I don't drink a lot, so I don't take a lot of water.

Do you run, even uphill?!

It depends on which ones! For example, when I go up to Valier, I don't run much! In fact, at my level, and I'm no expert, there's no point in running too much on the climbs. You get exhausted too quickly. It is better to walk quickly. Except for short races… 15 kilometers for example. There, I try to run all the time, I push myself to the limit.

Do you have time to enjoy the scenery?

Oh yes! I did the Calabasse Trail two years ago (a race in the Couserans), and as soon as we passed the sea of ​​clouds, we all stopped to admire the view, even if it was just for two minutes. I'm taking my time anyway! Otherwise there's no point in running in the mountains, that's why I do it!

Is trail running done in a group, or rather alone?

It depends on each person. I like both of them a lot.I like running alone because I go at my own pace. If I want to stop, I stop. It feels good to be alone. But I like running with others too! It's more motivating, we support each other. Especially when we're doing "long runs."

Have you signed up for races in Couserans?

My very first race was 3 years ago, in the Gajannaise, at 9 km. A small one! I wanted to know what I was worth. And in fact I had a good placement! And then in 2019, my brothers-in-law took me with them, at Montcalivert trail, 12,5 km. And then 4 months later I was already doing a 42 km! I also did the Calabasse Trail, which I really liked, it is long (28 km), well organized, and it is magnificent!

My next challenge around here will be Ultrariège, from Aulus-les-Bains to Ax-les-Termes!

Animal encounters?

I haven't met a bear yet! I saw fresh tracks, I was all alone... needless to say I was a little tense! But otherwise I saw ibex, chamois, wild boars, foxes, marmots. As long as I don't see a bear, I'm fine!

What made you start?

It is the fact of having want to go further, in terms of my abilities. I did a lot of hiking, and I saw that I could do more. I started running downhill a little, and then all the time... It's also a source of pride to tell you: I did the Valier or the Crabère in so much time. It's a little challenge.

What is the last place you discovered in Couserans?

Peyre Mensongère: it's above Couflens. I discovered it at the beginning of the year, and since then I've been there 3 times already! You have a view of all the peaks of the Couserans. It's not too difficult a summit, even if it is steep, 700m of elevation gain, with a 7km round trip.

What are your favorite spots?

The Cuckoo's Tuc, it's my HQ. Haha. I can't even count the number of times I've had to go up there. 4km of climbing, 1000m of elevation gain, and it's magnificent. It's my little thing, when I don't have much time, I go up there. It takes me 1 hour to go up (Remember… Aurore walks uphill, but she walks fast!). So in less than two hours I came back down.

The peak of Arraing, I like it a lot, because not far away there is the Sérau peak, and for 3 km you run on ridges. It's very beautiful, and it's not too long.

The Araing pond, It's longer, but that's why I like it.

Well, the Valier I don't even talk about it. It's the house, it's my favorite. But you need half a day to do it (running…!).

I also like the Mirabat Castle, Cos path, or the Moulis cross, or above my house at Sourroque wood too. There are so many places to see here… On Instagram I get a lot of requests for hiking tips. And I like it!  

Any advice for someone who wants to start trail running?

You shouldn't be afraid to take the plunge. You just have to do it! I'm not really an expert, but I would say that you shouldn't don't try to do too much at onceYou shouldn't get disgusted, but do it little by little and go at your own pace.

A trail that you recommend for a first trail?

I would say something not too long. Mirabat Castle, it's not bad. It's not very long, it's not very technical, it climbs a little, but there's not much difference in altitude, and you have a beautiful view. If you can run from start to finish, it's already not bad!! If you want to do something a little more complicated, you can do the Tuc du Coucou. It's not very long, but it climbs steeply, it's dry! But it's not very technical, it's okay.

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If you want to follow Aurore's adventures, follow her on Instagram! @aurore_deg