What does the Legends Trail means to me (highs/lows, meaning stories, lessons learned) – just your words you want to say about the LT: This was the fourth time I stood at the start of the Legendstrail. I successfully completed my first two attempts. My third participation ended in a DNF due to an injury during the 500k edition. After a long absence from ultrarunning, I returned to the start line of Belgium’s toughest and most beautiful trail—determined, yet with a nervous heart. The Legendstrail has always been my ultimate outlet. During the race, I feel at my very best—invincible and ready for every part of Belgium’s harshest terrain. At the same time, Legends is where I release my deepest emotions and put my frustrations into perspective. Legends is also the place where old-school camaraderie comes to life. You open up to people you’ve only been running with for a few hours, you laugh at each other’s struggles along the way, and you help one another when things get tough. Nowhere else are bonds formed so quickly.
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): For me, ultrarunning means spending days and nights out in nature, experiencing multiple victories while learning to accept defeats. You need a strong physical condition to take part, but for me it is mainly a mental battle. Ultrarunning begins weeks before the starting gun. It is in those weeks leading up to the race that it is decided whether I will reach the finish line or not (depending on injuries). When I do reach the finish of an ultra, it feels like a mental reset has taken place.
What are your thoughts/worries/hopes on/for AOBTD? It is the renewed version of all the races organized by Legends that drew me back into ultrarunning. After three amazing races, I am already counting down to AOBTD. Determined, I will head to Bierbeek to enjoy every loop—and there is only one possible outcome: claiming my second SLAM.