The big start for the 72km of the Infernal Trail

Wake up at 1:15 a.m. to get ready to be on the start line at 3:00 a.m.

Here I am equipped with my headlamp, my water supply, my survival blanket and my whistle as stipulated in the rules.

Arrival at the village, already a lot of people, runners but not only, there are also volunteers and brave people who came to support the runners.

Bags are checked before entering the start area. Given the pandemic, we are going to leave in small waves of 50 runners at a time every 5 minutes, it's reassuring, everyone respects.

This is the start for me.

The first kilometers of the night trail

While I dreaded the few hours of running at night, as the kilometers go by I gain self-confidence because I am never alone. However, the runner in front of me suddenly has his headlamp no longer lighting up and he regularly stumbles. I approach to see if all is well for him. He answers me in the affirmative and tells me with a smile that the day will soon dawn anyway.

Indeed when we arrive at the first aid station at the Croisette d'Hérival, the first rays of sunshine appear. I find my husband who got up at the same time as me and who will follow me throughout the race.

Here again, all measures are taken to fight against covid. We are directed individually using barriers to drinks and food and we have to wash our hands with hydroalcoholic gel before the volunteers serve us on a plate what we want.

In the mountains around Girmont-Val-d'Ajol

Here we go again.

I know, having spotted it with the Club d'Athlé, that the part to come to Girmont-Val-d'Ajol via the Chalet de l'Empereur is very pretty and the rising sun further magnifies the landscapes .

Near Girmont-Val-d'Ajol, I see my children who encourage me. I take advantage of their presence to get rid of my jacket, which has become useless with the temperature which has risen. They will also follow me on the course at several strategic points and refreshments with my husband.

At the Girmont-Val-d'Ajol life base, same health protocol, the volunteers are full of empathy, very attentive to the runners and ask me if everything is fine: yes, everything is fine!! 😊

The race resumes and I realize that I have already done half of the course without any particular difficulty and without finding the time long. This surprises me a little but also reassures me.

At the 40th kilometer, only fly in the ointment, I fall. But nothing serious, just a nice bump in the head 😊

A little further I have the pleasure of seeing Stéphanie, a friend who spontaneously follows in my footsteps to climb a hill with a fairly significant drop. This motivated me, I start again above the slope when it leaves me.

Last straight line before the finish in Saint-Nabord

Then comes Raon-aux-Bois and I tell myself that I only have 12 kilometers left to go. While I'm hydrating, a runner with whom I had talked a little calls out to me and says: "You're managing your race well for a first of this distance and if you don't have pain in your legs, you'll be end !! ". Again, his words encouraged me.

Back at the Perrey stadium in Saint-Nabord, all my relatives and friends were there to welcome me, which is heartwarming.

I finished my race in good shape, very satisfied with this trail which will remain in my memory for a long time, thanks to a very good organization, very caring volunteers, a course made up of magnificent landscapes and the support of my family.

Really only happiness, it was an unforgettable experience 😊

Beatrice