This article was originally featured in issue #1 of Like the Wind Magazine. Words and photography by Ian Corless.
It starts weeks, no, months before. Research on course profiles, terrain, altitude, distance and location. You can’t just turn up at an event and expect to cover it well. Just as a runner trains and prepares, I must do the same. I have my own race to run. It’s an ultra. It always is. Long days, short nights, little sleep and the buzz of adrenaline keeps me wired.
The sound of the start horn releases the runner on a journey and the breaking of tape concludes the experience; for the race staff, supporters and journalists the journey rolls on, long past the last finisher. A story must be told. Websites must be updated, articles written, photographs edited and as the eyelids close with exhaustion, the inner self contemplates the battle with sleep. Just one more hour… maybe another photo to edit or one more page to write.
Eventually the deed is done. Another race has been covered; a story has been told. Sitting back in a chair, beer in hand, the body relaxes and recuperation begins.
It won’t be long before the experience is repeated; another place, another race, more new and enlightening experiences.
The tough and brutal Ice Trail Tarentaise. Quad-busting vertical climbs intertwined with ice, snow and bracing temperatures, a pure Skyrunning race to test mind and body.
Ian Corless is a photographer, writer, reviewer and blogger at iancorless.com. Ian is also creative director & host of ultra running podcast; Talk Ultra.