Val D'Aran

The Val D’Aran Ultra Trail race, the European Major of the UTMB, took place in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains, in Vielha, Spain. Held in July, the race saw thousands of athletes from around the world gather to compete in this UTMB qualifier. Successful completion of this race would make them eligible to compete in trail running's holy grail, the UTMB World Series finals, in Chamonix, France next year. It was this single-minded purpose that drove Lipi, a self-confessed accidental trail runner, halfway across the globe to compete in one of the world's most grueling trail races.

The Early Years

Hailing from Guwahati, the gateway to Assam’s hill regions, Lipi was no stranger to mountain life. While pursuing her PhD, an untimely accident left her with a metal rod in one leg. As she eventually got back on her feet, a chance trip to Manali led her to the world of trail running. Since then, there’s been no looking back. Lipi has traveled all over the country to participate in races every year and even drives community trail runs as a Run Lead with Run With Athlos. These last few years of dedication have set the stage for one of the most challenging experiences of her life; the Val D’Aran Ultra Trail race.

Training for the Val D’Aran

The Val D’Aran is an Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB)-certified qualifier race held in the treacherous mountains of Vielha, Spain. Hosting over 5000 athletes from 80+ countries, the race has categories ranging from 15 km to 163 km. Successful completion earns you Running Stones, which are like an entry into the draw for participating in the UTMB World Series Finals. Athletes can accumulate Running Stones by competing in designated races such as the Val D’Aran. Like all the others there, Lipi’s journey of preparation began a few months ago, back home in Hyderabad, in February.

“The next few months were unbearably hot in Hyderabad but I had no choice, I was committed. Given this race was going to take place in very high altitudes and Hyderabad is mostly flat, I had to get creative. I live on the 22nd floor, so I made the staircase an integral part of my workouts. I ran up and down, sometimes with a weighted vest for resistance.”

Lipis's training regimen was self-developed and the result of extensive research. She trained five days a week in the Athlos intensity shorts, spreading her workouts across strength training, long-distance running, short sprints, and mimicked altitude training. The rod in her leg made her acutely aware of the damage injuries could do, so Lipi ensured she remained consistent.

The Twist in the Trail

After months of dedicated training, Lipi was feeling confident about what lay ahead. On the morning of June 26th, a week before departure, she set out for another routine run up a hill. On the way downhill, a moment of absent-mindedness quickly escalated into a rough tumble down the slope, leaving her with badly bruised knees and palms. As if in denial, the next morning she decided to run again, only making things worse. Emotionally devastated at what this could mean for her race prospects, she confided in a friend. Thankfully, she was convinced to rest it out. While that helped, Lipi boarded the flight to Barcelona not fully healed, still bearing the scars.

Four Days To Race Day

Touchdown in Barcelona was a gloomy, rainy day. Not the ideal welcome. After a tiring flight, an excruciatingly long bus ride to her hotel in the outskirts didn’t help. She finally made it only to find the sun was showing no signs of setting, even at 8 pm. She met up with some running mates, grabbed dinner, and was happy to stretch out at the end of the day. They spent the next four days here allowing their bodies to get acclimatised to the altitude, an essential final step of preparation.

The athletes were to set off in three waves. Lipi took off in the second wave at 6:15 am. She knew to expect crowds but nothing could prepare her for what unfolded. As the terrain turned and lanes narrowed, athletes were crammed into bottlenecks, often facing cliff drops on one side. Lipi battled these conditions for the first 30 km, frustrated with crowded delays and rising temperatures.

As she made it to the 50km mark, she was glad to see the official pit stop. Supporters of the athletes had congregated and the mood was uplifting. After a quick rest and bite, Lipi kicked on once again. As the weather started clearing, so did her mood and she began to truly appreciate the magnificence that surrounded her. Months of training had brought her to this incredible landscape, lush with resplendent lakes and the charming remnants of abandoned mines from generations past. The psychological edge of having completed the 50km mark began egging her on and Lipi found her groove.

After a heavenly 25 km, as she arrived at the 75km mark, she heard the distant yet unmistakable rumble of grey skies. Taking the inclement weather in her stride, Lipi donned a rain jacket and continued to power through the increasing drizzle. As the hours ticked on, the rain intensified and the clouds in the sky grew angrier as the sun made its way down. The stage was set for the dark embrace of night and the temperature quickly started to plummet.

She was met at the 80km mark by a growing crowd and knew something was up. The air was abuzz with uncertainty as the weather outside began intensifying. Soon, the organizers announced the race was to be officially halted due to adverse weather conditions. Lipi found herself stranded in a massive tent at 1 am, with thousands of others and nothing to do but wait. As she sat down to reflect on everything that had transpired she couldn’t help but notice how well her intensity shorts had weathered the storm with her. She marveled at the absence of chafing despite volatile weather and grueling miles. Lipi was relieved the gear came through for her.

Two hours later, the organizers returned with a daunting declaration. officially, the storm was over and was not expected to return, but the weather was far from friendly. The athletes were given a choice - continue into the night and complete the race, or stay put and get ferried back to civilization. The catch was, if you quit now, you forgo your Running Stones. Lipi realized most were taking the practical call and deciding to stop now.

But for her, despite the inherent risks that lay ahead, the answer was crystal clear. She had invested too much into making it to this point and nothing was going to stop her from getting to the finish line.

After 10 km of running in desolate conditions, Lipi chanced upon a fellow athlete and they combined forces to the next pitstop (96km). After this, she was once again on her own.

The Trail Goes On

After completing the Val D’Aran race, Lipi secured the Running Stones she needed to increase her chances of competing in Chamonix, France next year. The journey from preparation to completion has been a true test of her mettle and she’s proud to have come through with flying colours. Lipi continues to explore her relationship with trail running and even volunteers as a Run Lead with Run With Athlos, where she takes other runners out on trails picked by her and shares what she’s learned over the years to help others keen on entering the sport.

To someone interested in running, my only advice is don’t let anything get in the way. You will come across a lot of naysayers, but don’t listen. Don’t pay them any attention. If you feel it, just go for it. Don’t overthink. We have enough to worry about so, if you like running, just run.