Mountain running has helped me find a good balance in my life and most of all, it has given me the opportunity to share amazing parts of our planet with my loved ones.

We have already shared with you some of the thoughts, aspirations and philosophy of French mountain runner Julien Chorier. It's time to introduce you to the second part of our exciting interview with the French star, in which he shares about his training regime, nutrition, and maintaining his physical and mental state. The first part of the interview can be found here.

Part 2

If the race takes place on another continent, how long before the race do you arrive at the location?
I try to arrive 5-6 days before the event. But it also depends on family commitments.

How long does it take you to adapt?
If the race is at high altitude, I predict 10-12 days. If I have to adapt to the climate, the heat or the time difference, 4-5 days is enough.

What's on your menu before, during and after the race?
Nothing like a healthy and balanced diet. I try to limit gluten as much as possible, which is why I have digestive issues.

How do you keep fit in winter?
I continue to run in the winter. I throw in a little cross-country skiing when I can't ride the bike.

What makes a race good: the organization, the crowd, the field, the prizes, or something else?
In reality, uniqueness is the result of the totality of these parameters.

Tell us a funny situation that happened to you at a race?
I don't know if it's funny, but I've had hallucinations. Seeing loved ones, friends in the distance, and in reality it turns out to be trees.
On Reunion, stressed, I left a support station without taking water. It is not easy to run 10 km in the heat without water. I filled water in a stream on the way, before the next checkpoint. Fortunately I got away without consequences.

What's the toughest race you've had?
I think it was Westernstate100 in California, where the intense heat was creating major difficulties.

What are your goals for the next 5 years?
To keep travelling the world, discovering new landscapes, new cultures.
From a sporting point of view, to be able to win some of the most beautiful races I haven't won yet.

What gives you strength in the last kilometres of the race?
The support of my loved ones is a huge driver for me at the end of the race.

What charitable causes have you supported?
I have already run to assist people with limited mobility. I have guided people riding a “joelet” (a wheelchair that can be used to take people on mountain trails), it is a beautiful experience.

Along with mountain racing, did you start to respect nature and its natural resources?Of course, spending much of your time in a natural environment, you quickly realize how sensitive it is and the attention we need to give it.

What should and should not one do in the forest when encountering wild animals such as bears?
It is important not to leave the paths if possible to avoid disturbing the topsoil. We should not come into contact with wildlife. I haven't encountered a bear yet, but I think one should be vigilant and keep as much distance as possible.

Some important safety rules when one goes to train alone in the mountains?
Always anticipate the worst that could happen and remember to warn your loved ones where you are going.

What's your opinion on women runners and their place in ultra-distance?
They are very good in the pose format. They are often in the Top 10 and come close to winning prizes in some competitions.

How has mountain running changed your life?
Mountain running has helped me find a good balance in my life and most of all, it has given me the opportunity to share amazing parts of our planet with my loved ones.

 

What price do you pay to be a professional runner?
To begin with, I had to give up my professional career (as an engineer), and so had to make do with a much lower income.

Do you think innovative technologies help the speed and strength of the athletes?
Yes, they help a lot in training, but they also make us faster during a race. They give a lighter, more functional and perfect outfit.

Do you think mountain running is becoming a tourism product?
Yes, the races do bring a buzz to some regions that are pretty quiet in the winter. Runners who come from afar often come with their families as part of their holiday.

According to you why the mountain race became so popular in recent years?
I think a return to nature is necessary and useful. A pair of sneakers, roads and here we are on the trail. This ease of access is very beneficial and helps reduce the stresses of everyday life.

How does one get started? And in particular, what is it that one should not do if one does not have the necessary experience?
You have to start small and go up gaining experience. To start a race or heavy training without enough experience risks injury and loss of enjoyment, which can lead to a break from this sport, how unfortunate...

We are looking forward to Julien Chorier on the second day of the extreme sports festival Challenge Days. He will show us the film “Hell in Paradise”, and tell us the story behind this interesting initiative. During the Days, he will give more tips for beginners, share experiences and enrich us with his wide horizon of activities.