The big day is approaching. A new edition of the Aitana Challenge is coming.

A tough race introducing a new distance: 120km. A modality that is part of the ISF National Ultra-distance Championship, attracting prominent international trail runners. Today, we wanted to capture in these pages how to prepare for mountain races, and what motivates trail runners to face these challenges.

Experiences, dreams, and projects recounted by 3 protagonists who this weekend will put on their trail running shoes to conquer the mountain:

José Mª Moreno

How long have you been doing sports?

A little over six years ago, I decided to quit smoking, a habit I had for twenty years. Since I assumed I would start gaining weight, I decided to try to get into the habit of running two or three days a week and doing some exercise. I started with small sessions, combining running with toning exercises, and little by little, continuous running gained more prominence.

How would you define yourself: runner, trail runner, triathlete, ironman…?

I don't like labels very much; I'm just a person who tries to combine their daily life with a passion for running. I started running on asphalt and have participated in six marathons, but in the last year, I've started competing in mountain races, which I enjoy as much, if not more, than asphalt.

When did you decide to embark on this project?

Last year, I thought a good way to give back all the good things that athletics had given me would be to do some kind of charity activity.

A friend had started a fundraiser for the José Carreras Foundation, and it inspired me. So I decided to raise funds for the Tres Social Foundation in Murcia, run by a childhood friend. With this money, sports equipment was bought for the children and young people with behavioral problems that this foundation helps. Since the experience was very positive and enriching, this year I decided to repeat it.

And after the sudden death of my cousin Silvia from ovarian cancer, I clearly saw the cause to which the money raised should be donated: the Spanish Association Against Cancer. To do this, I opened a page on the crowdfunding platform Migranodearena.org under the hashtag #corroporSilvia, and in this way, raise the equivalent of the altitude gain of the Aitana Challenge, in the 40-kilometer distance, in euros.

Is this the first time you've faced this challenge?

Yes, this will be the longest distance I will have covered in the mountains, although I have already participated in races over 20 kilometers.

Which of the races are you going to do?

Within the Aitana Challenge, there are three distances: 40, 86, and 120 kilometers. I will participate in the 40km race.

What do you hope to achieve?

I hope to contribute as much money as possible to this great cause, which is the fight against cancer. And athletically, I hope to overcome a new challenge and push my limits a little further.

What is your relationship with Urban Running?

I met the Esteso brothers while preparing for my first marathon, Valencia 2013, and when I found out they were creating Urban Runners in Alicante, I didn't hesitate: I went to the store to ask and it didn't take me long to sign up. For two years now, I've been sharing training, races, and a large part of my life with an excellent group of people, which was what I intended when I came here: to socialize and meet people with this common hobby.

Do you have any other challenges of this type in mind?

Believe it or not, I'm already thinking and planning the next challenge for next year. There are many races I'd like to participate in that represent a challenge: Transilicitana, Madrid-Segovia, Ruta de las Fortalezas… What started as something occasional has now become a constant in my life.

What would you say to anyone who is just starting to run?

Don't run, don't rush to get there, enjoy every small achievement you make.

What is your advice for those who are going to participate in this same race, or have a similar one planned?

If they have trained well and are in shape, I can only tell them to enjoy themselves, to keep a smile kilometer after kilometer.

PREPARE WITH OUR TRAINING GEAR, VISIT US!

Andrés Astrua

How long have you been doing sports?

I've always been involved in the world of sports. From a young age, at 10 years old, until I was 24, I played soccer as a player and coached young children (benjamines, alevines, and infantiles), basketball, volleyball, and athletics. Then I stopped sports for 3 years, only to resume it at 27. This time, I only focused on running, and I've been practicing this wonderful sport for 15 years now.

How would you define yourself: runner, trail runner, triathlete, ironman…?

Well, I started as a runner. I'm from Madrid and I moved to Santa Pola when I was 27. Its promenade caught my attention, especially in winter. Seeing it so empty, I thought it would be wonderful to run there, just hearing the sound of the sea. Motivated by this thought, I decided to start running and embark on this journey.

At first, it was just training, and then I started signing up for 5km and 10km races; which would lead to half marathons and marathons across Spain and Europe.

But one day I met my wife, who is from Alcoy, and I moved to live with her. My surprise upon arriving was to see the hills and the impressive mountains that surround the city, so little by little I swapped asphalt for trail. Being a triathlete or Ironman has greatly appealed to me, but I'm terrible at swimming, which is why right now I consider myself a trail runner.

When did you decide to embark on this project?

It was during a training run, I think it was in May, with the Club Atletismo Alcoy. Some started mentioning their decision to go to this event, in its 40 km version, and others to the 120 km one. I got home and, while showering, the 120 km distance was already brewing in my head.

My big doubt was whether I would again be able to put in all the brutal volume of training needed for this race, as I did in 2013 (that was my last participation in a race over 100 km), and if I would be willing to spend 5 days a week for 6 months grinding it out.

I knew that if I wasn't excited, I wouldn't go; if I go, it's because I like it, not out of obligation. Later, a couple of friends tell me they're willing to go for the 120 km, and I tell them I've been thinking about it, but I need to consult a few things before making a decision.

I consulted my personal trainer in Alcoy and my podiatrist (as I've had plantar fasciitis injuries), and both committed to being there during the preparation. After these two great pieces of news, I informed my friends that as soon as registrations opened, I would sign up for the 120 km race, and last June I started preparing.

Is this the first time you've faced this challenge?

Yes, it's my first time participating in the Aitana Challenge. In 2014, I went to see some friends who were participating in the various races this event offers, but I was injured and couldn't. It's true that I have participated in other ultra trails, such as the Vuelta al Aneto self-supported 96 km, the Gran Trail de Peñalara 110 km, La Perimetral de Benissa 63 km, or, a month ago, Botamarges 70 km.

Which of the races are you going to do?

The Aitana Challenge consists of 3 races: one of 120 km, another of 86 km, and the 40 km marathon. I will participate in the longest race, the 120 km with 7650 meters of elevation gain.

What do you hope to achieve?

Being an ultra trail of more than 100 km, honestly, just finishing it is a success. Of course, I would like to have a great race. However, it's a long distance, and we'll be out there for many hours.

I like to be cautious, as any incident can take you out of the race, such as a twisted ankle, an injury during the race, some food not sitting well that day, dehydration from heat, or if it's cold. Not to mention the physical condition needed: great mental strength, because very tough moments will come.

In the end, many factors influence these races, and reaching the finish line is already an impressive achievement, at least for me. I also hope to achieve that camaraderie offered by the volunteers, the encouragement given by both children and adults as you pass through villages and aid stations, the experiences and stories of other runners, and to share that day with many friends who are going to run, just like me.

What is your relationship with Urban Running?

Since March 2016, I've been working as a sales assistant at Urban Running Alcoy. For a sports enthusiast like me, specifically trail running, imagine. It's a privilege to work in a specialized running store and be able to help and advise customers, colleagues, and friends who visit the store daily. Plus, you learn a lot from all of them, as each one needs specific gear according to their characteristics to face their challenges and goals. For me, it's amazing to hear about the adventures they undertake or plan to undertake, and to share projects and dreams.

Do you have any other challenges of this type in mind? I've had something in mind for a couple of years now; but it's difficult to combine it and carry it out, due to time and logistical reasons. I would like to raise funds for childhood cancer by running Camí de Cavalls. It's a 186 km race that goes around the entire island of Menorca. The project outline is already designed and, who knows, maybe one year I'll carry it out. And for 2017, I'd like to run the Transvulcania 86 km on La Palma island, as many trail runners have told me it's impressive. I'm also excited to run the Zegama Aizkorri Marathon, but this race no longer depends on me, as to get a bib number, you need to win a lottery, but I would love to go. For me, the Basque Country is the cathedral of mountain races.

What would you say to anyone who is just starting to run?

To go little by little. First you have to get in shape to be able to run. Lately I see people who go from doing nothing to trying to run a marathon; something that leads to injuries and abandoning sports practice. Everything is a process, you shouldn't build the house from the roof. It's good to set a goal, but make it a realistic one.

By being consistent, running will surely become a way of life for you, which will probably lead you to feel better; as it has happened to me. My advice is to value the simple things in life more, maintain better discipline, and realize that with effort you can achieve things in the future that were unthinkable in the past.

What is your advice for those who are going to participate in this same race, or have a similar one planned?

It might sound cliché, but I tell them to enjoy, feel, and love this sport. During the race, there will be moments of euphoria, camaraderie, and spectacular landscapes that nature offers us. But I also know that, on the contrary, we will also have bad moments: sleepiness, fatigue, nausea, and questions like "what am I doing here?"

But, if we think about it, race day is the icing on the cake. After so much training, many early mornings or silent nights with a headlamp to cover kilometers of trails with elevation changes; in the rain or under the sun, taking time away from our families... for all this effort we have made and suffered training for race day, the best advice I can give you is:

ENJOY AND HAVE THE BEST TIME POSSIBLE.

José Antonio Cremades

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How long have you been doing sports?

Since I was 6 years old, I was already playing in my first futsal team. From there, I always continued with sports, and each year that passed, the level increased. I was always very lucky to look up to my sister, who became a Spanish champion playing women's futsal.

Also, thanks to her, as she was a climbing instructor and helped with the Ilicitan mountaineering group, when I was 9, I started going on various mountain activities. One of the most beautiful experiences of my beginnings in sports was climbing a mountain like La Sagra when I was 10. I still remember sleeping in a sleeping bag. The next day was the ascent to La Sagra, covered in snow... ugh.

At 10 years old, I decided to take football more seriously, and at the same time, I was running. For better or worse, I chose football. In 2012, I decided to return to being the sporty kid who always dreamed of races, mountains, and skiing. Thanks to meeting Urban Running, they gave me the tools to get back into sports, in this case, Trail Running.

How would you define yourself: runner, trail runner, triathlete, ironman…?

In truth, I define myself as all of them, but what's in my blood is trail runner.

When did you decide to embark on this Trail Running project?

I decided three years ago. The Urban Runners Club offered me the opportunity to run the 40km Aitana Challenge and the 70km 3,800+ Ultra Distance Botamargues, and that was my first race.

Is this the first time you've faced this 120km 7,000+ mountain challenge?

No, it's the second consecutive year that I participate in this 120km 7000+ Ultra distance. But this time, it's the first time I'm running as a Staff runner, thanks to the organization, although my usual running club is Machacapiedras. Especially with them, I share adventures like ultra-trails.

It's a new adventure. I will run as a normal runner, but at the same time, I will have to look out for other runners who have any mishaps during the race. My role as a runner will be twice as hard physically; I will have to be in the race and, at the same time, help other runners and, of course, take care of myself, as it's 120km 7000+. Let's not get it wrong, hehehe.

What do you hope to achieve?

I wish to enjoy this passion for sports for as many years as possible in my life. Especially running in the mountains, on asphalt, triathlon, or Ironman. I hope to continue surpassing myself and raising my competitive level nationally. Especially with ultra-distance and mountain races.

What is your relationship with Urban Running?

The relationship is spectacular. They have always been there for the runner. They are very attentive in seeking all the comforts to face this type of event, especially when it comes to advising on sports equipment, they rarely fail in any project I have competed in, they have always been ahead in advising on sports equipment and nutrition.

Do you have any other challenges of this type in mind?

The closest competitive challenge-race will be the Transvulcania 2017, one of the mythical races worldwide. After that, I will continue with 3 ultra-distance races of more than 100km. All these races will serve as preparation for 2018, when I hope to have the opportunity to participate in Tor de Gegants, one of the toughest Ultra trail races in the world. It would be the 8th edition of its mythical 332km with D+24,000m running along the slopes of the giants Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso, and Cervino. A race that I would like to be the first person from Elche to finish.

What would you tell anyone who is just starting to run?

I would tell them to seek advice from running professionals, as I did back then, at Urban Running. The first thing would be to do a stress test. At the same time, I would join a running club that would guide me in the beginning. Thanks to specific training, you will avoid damaging your body and you will truly enjoy running.

Next, I would set a goal, such as a short race, 5km or 10km, and above all, run without pressure to enjoy it from start to finish. I would also emphasize that you cannot run in just any sports attire; they would likely suffer an injury by running in shoes not suitable for their stride or clothes that harm the body due to chafing.

What is your advice for those who are going to participate in this same race, or have a similar one planned?

My first piece of advice for seriously undertaking an ultra-distance mountain race is to undergo a stress test, in order to know if your body is capable of achieving that goal without harming your health.

Also, let yourself be advised by a coach who guides you on the path to your goal. Second, they should wear good specialized sports equipment for mountain running and always break it in before the competition; for health and safety reasons.

The nutrition aspect is as important as, or more important than, any other. Everything must be trained and tested before competition; experimenting during the race would be a big mistake.

I would also leave this section in the hands of a nutrition professional. Finally, train for physical and mental fatigue. Some specific training sessions need to be adjusted so you don't encounter surprises on race day (cold, rain, wind, snow, darkness…). And finally, enjoy those training sessions leading up to the race; they will be what helps you achieve your goal.

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