What does the Legends Trail means to me (highs/lows, meaning stories, lessons learned) – just your words you want to say about the LT: The Legends Trail is not just a race; it is a true adventure. An adventure where you never really know what awaits you or what you will discover along the way. From the very start, you know that nothing is guaranteed. Everything can change at any moment. Doubt inevitably sets in, and there comes a point where you honestly start questioning what you are doing there. But as the hours and kilometres go by, you realize you are living through something truly unique. The Legends Trail is a transformative experience. It pushes you to tap into resources you never knew you had and teaches you things about yourself that you simply cannot learn anywhere else. By the finish, something has changed: you come back stronger mentally, more resilient, and often a better version of yourself than when you started. And this transformation does not depend on how many times you have taken part. Whether it is your first, second, or third time, each edition brings its own share of lessons, self-reflection, and discoveries. Personally, when I stand on the start line, I know there will be moments of solitude, facing myself, but also incredible encounters with people who share the same passion. It is this balance between the inner challenge and human connections that makes the Legends Trail so special and unforgettable.
How would you define ultra running/what does it mean to you to run ultra/when does ultra starts for you (certain moments/feeling/distances): Ultra running is not defined by distance or time. It is not a race in the traditional sense; it is first and foremost an adventure.
When I start an ultra, I often feel like a slightly rusty machine that needs to get going again. My legs struggle to find their rhythm, and it sometimes takes me 80 to 100 kilometres before I truly feel fully immersed in the experience. For me, that is when the ultra really begins. Ultra running is an exploration — an exploration of physical and mental limits, but also of the unknown. You are confronted with unexpected situations, fatigue, and doubt, and you learn to face them. It is this ability to keep moving forward despite the difficulties that fascinates me and keeps bringing me back. Beyond the sport itself, this philosophy also guides me in everyday life. I try to pass on to my children this idea of self-transcendence: not setting limits before even trying, believing in one’s abilities — even those we do not yet suspect — and giving ourselves the means to achieve our goals. Whether in sport, studies, or life in general, there is often much more within us than we imagine. The kilometres, elevation gain, or hours spent outdoors are ultimately just numbers. For me, ultra running is above all a quest — a quest to discover breathtaking landscapes, to explore one’s own limits, to understand different ways of thinking, and above all, to meet extraordinary people who share the same passion.
What are your thoughts/worries/hopes on/for AOBTD? Regarding the AOBTD, my main hope is to complete the Slam and share this adventure with the seven other passionate runners taking on this challenge. For now, I only know them by name, but I am really looking forward to meeting them and experiencing this journey alongside them. I do not really have any concerns. If we are at the start line, it is above all because of our passion and our desire to enjoy this extraordinary adventure. Of course, there will be difficult moments, but they are an integral part of the experience. My goal is simply to fully embrace every moment, the landscapes, the exchanges, and everything this adventure has to offer.