My Tor des Géants experience: an extraordinary challenge, a blend of pushing my limits and wonder. The Tor des Géants is one of the most legendary ultra-trail races in the world: 335 km through the Italian Alps, with over 28,000 meters of elevation gain . This year, around 1,200 runners embarked on the adventure, but only 50% managed to cross the finish line . For me, it was my first time, and I was torn between excitement and apprehension: excited by the incredible beauty of the landscapes and by the prospect of venturing into something I didn't know, into the complete unknown.
Preparation: equipment, nutrition and hydration
Even before the race, the preparation was a challenge in itself. Choosing the right equipment is crucial in this type of race.
Hydratis provided me with a significant number of flasks, and this proved to be a real asset. The openings, wider than those of other brands, made refilling easier. Rotating the flasks made logistics much faster and more convenient. In a challenge like this, hydration is essential . One of the difficulties is fatigue, which can sometimes make it hard to maintain a good hydration level . Thanks to the variety of flavors offered by Hydratis, I was able to avoid this monotony and stay well-hydrated throughout the race.
The nutrition plan was equally crucial. I had planned for 50 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, divided between gels, solid foods, bars, and so on. What I particularly appreciated was the variety of flavors: it prevented food from becoming unappealing and kept eating enjoyable, even after hours of intense effort. With the help of my logistics team, each aid station was planned to be quick, efficient, and precise, which provided real comfort and allowed me to focus solely on the race.
The departure and the first few hours: total immersion
From the very first kilometers, the adventure captivated me. The race is enormous, demanding, and fascinating.
I met Christophe, a 53-year-old runner who had taken up running after a life experience radically different from my own. Our backgrounds had nothing in common, and yet we found ourselves side by side on this adventure. These interactions left a deep impression on me: the diversity of the participants makes the race unique and enriching, and each encounter adds a human dimension to the effort.
Fatigue and the art of mental strategy
From the very first night, I chose not to sleep, and then managed my rest in short bursts of about 15 minutes. I felt great, with plenty of energy left. All the parameters were well managed: food, hydration, rhythm, and temperature.
From kilometer 90 onwards, during the sixth climb and the second summit over 3,000 meters, I experienced knee pain . Upon reaching a medical station, the doctors were skeptical: they didn't think I would be able to continue. They applied a brace to support the joint. This didn't eliminate the pain, but it stabilized the knee and allowed me to continue. Despite their doubts, I resumed the race, determined and focused.
Mid-race: overcoming obstacles, resilience, and self-hypnosis
The nights were freezing, with sub-zero temperatures and strong winds. To keep going, I used a technique similar to self-hypnosis: letting my body move forward without over-involving my mind, focusing solely on movement, breathing, and rhythm.
At this point, I started compensating: I used my right leg much more, as my left was too painful to bend. This method allowed me to cover an additional 110 km, despite the fatigue and pain, while continuing to manage my nutrition and hydration . Each summit conquered and each descent conquered boosted my confidence and my sense of accomplishment.
End of the race: extreme pain and physical limitations
Beyond 200 km and 14,000 m of elevation gain, the pain in my legs intensified. The descents, on very technical terrain, became extremely difficult. I felt electric shocks in my legs and my health deteriorated rapidly.
Despite the suffering, I continued a little longer, but I was aware that the consequences could be serious if I persisted. Every step was a struggle, every climb an additional challenge.
This experience taught me that even with good preparation and a strong will, the Tor des Géants remains a challenge of rare intensity, where the body has the last word.
What I learned and my advice
The Tor des Géants is a revealing experience. I learned that:
- Mental endurance and strategy are essential, but respect for the body is paramount.
- Testing your equipment and nutrition before the race is essential.
- Flasks and drinks in a variety of flavors help optimize hydration and
to avoid getting bored. - A strong logistics team is a major asset for saving comfort and time.
Conclusion: an unforgettable challenge
The Tor des Géants gave me a humbling experience and an immense sense of pride. Every step was a victory, every summit an achievement, and every human encounter a precious moment.
