On January 13, 2019, the Cannes Urban Trail took place. Catherine, one of our enthusiastic Nolijettes, participated and shares her experience with us.
Introduce yourself in a few sentences: What's your name, where are you from, what do you do, how long have you been running?
My name is Catherine D., I am originally from the Hautes-Pyrénées but I live in Nice. I work at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis. I started running in 2014 and discovered trail running 2 years later, hence my passion for both disciplines.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THIS URBAN TRAIL AND WHICH RACE DID YOU COMPLETE?
The Cannes urban train offers a varied route. It alternates between roads, sandy paths, and stairs (1000 steps). There's elevation gain, "mountas calas" (up-and-down sections in the local Niçois dialect), and other technical sections similar to those found in more traditional trail races. This year, I chose to participate in the 15km race.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR IT?
I haven't done any specific training. I run once a week in the hills around Nice, varying my pace. I also do a longer run at an easy pace on the weekend. That's my usual routine.
IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION? HAVE YOU EVER PARTICIPATED IN EVENTS OF THIS TYPE?
I have participated in many trail races in the region but this is the first time I have participated in this urban trail.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT URBAN TRAIL?
The course is challenging, technical, and on very varied terrain. It's full of surprises and never boring!
The mix of road and trails, the adrenaline rush on the descents and the superb views of Cannes, the sea, the Estérel make it a truly unique race.
HOW DID YOUR RACE GO?
Very good…I managed it well. I didn't start fast, I quickly found my pace, comfortable and consistent! My main goal was to enjoy myself and have fun, I wasn't aiming for a time.
HOW DID YOU FEEL DURING THOSE 15KM? WHAT WERE THE MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS, THE "EASIEST" MOMENTS...?
I felt good and happy. Happy to run, to share, to discover… in short, pure pleasure throughout the entire race!
An urban trail run isn't easy. I felt pretty comfortable on the climbs, and the descents were easy. I also handled the 1000 steps well. I had a bit of a slump towards the end, but then I picked up the pace again with a great finish at the Palais des Festivals!
WHAT MEMORY WILL YOU KEEP FROM THE RACE?
A fantastic memory of the whole race and I'd love to do it again because there was a great atmosphere throughout the event. Plus, it's both sporty and fun!
You represented Noliju during the race, what were you wearing?
I was wearing the Stéphane's Burgundy and Black Printed Leggings and the Arno Bordeaux t-shirt . I loved it because the whole outfit is incredibly comfortable. What I appreciate is the technical and comfortable feel of the materials, but also their durability, as the outfit gets a real workout on rough terrain! Plus, my outfit was a big hit; runners aren't used to such stylish outfits... I received tons of compliments, which is fantastic... thank you Noliju!
SHOULD WE DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR?
Absolutely, and definitely the 25km…it’s a great race to start the year, it gives you a real boost, and when you’re also nicely dressed, then it’s pure bliss!!!
