DYNAFIT TRAIL HEROES AT LIMONE EXTREME 2019
It is one of the most important skyrunning competitions, impossible to miss it. The unique location in the world – between the sky and the lake of upper Garda – and the technical course, which makes it a top-level competition, attract 1,200 athletes from 40 nations. The Limone Extreme, seven times final of the Migu Run Skyrunner World Series, scheduled in Limone sul Garda, is in effect the “top event” of the season. Four competitions are scheduled on the weekend of Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October 2019: the Vertical, the 10 kilometers, the Lemon Skyrunning Extreme and the final Migu Run Skyrunner World Series dedicated only to Skymaster athletes.
As a reference company in mountain endurance sports, Dynafit, in addition to the prestigious support to the race, has developed a project that has given the possibility to a group of amateur athletes to stand at the starting line. «We have put together an expedition formed by nine advanced amateurs, able to reconcile the commitments of everyday life with the desire to take on a challenge – explains Emy Leitner from Dynafit Italia – They will be the ones to talk about themselves in this project that sees them as absolute protagonists: that’s why we call them Trail Hero». The “magnificent nine” ambassadors who have won this prestigious “title” thanks to training and competitive commitments and who will compete in Limone are: André Baravex, Marco Benetello, Giovanni Bosio, Luca del Pero, Francesco Lora, Francesca Perrone, Marta Ripamonti , Marc Slanzi and Elena Tomé. We asked them – non-professional but genuinely enthusiastic and passionate athletes – some practical advice on how to face the race and the different phases that precede and follow it.
«What’s the trail spirit?»
Trail running is not a sport like any other, you have to suffer from the first to the last meter. But those who love it continue to practice it, because the breathtaking views that offer a race in nature cannot be admired sitting comfortably on your sofa. The trail is the perfect combination of sport, nature and freedom.
Francesco Lora from Vicenza – LimoneXtreme VerticalKM
«How do you face the days before the race?»
In the training phase I usually run many kilometers because this type of training is useful for long races, the ones I prefer. In the 7-10 days preceding the race I run every day for 5-10 km at a slow pace, just to “spin” my legs, or swim or cycle without great muscular effort. I take great care of rest.
Marta Ripamonti from Novara – LimoneXtreme VerticalKM
«How do you prepare your backpack before a race?»
For me it is a real ritual, between the mystical and the superstitious, in order to ease a little the tension and to convince myself that I’m ready. The evening before the race I often find myself repeatedly checking that I have everything I need. Knowing in advance the altitude of the course and the rules of the race helps me to understand what to bring with me in addition to the mandatory gears. I never carry with me products that I have not already tested, especially gels and bars: in the race I must be sure of what I have available and what I can count on. Among the things that never fail there are at least a liter of water, 3 gels, 1 energy bar, a rainproof, and my poles.
Elena Tomé from Trento – LimoneXtreme Skyrace
«What do you eat during a race?»
For races under 3 hours I hydrate with water and salts and take some gels. During the longer ones it is also essential to eat continuously, usually bars or bananas, in addition to the gels I take every 45-60 minutes. The important thing is to never get to the point of feeling hunger or thirst because this could cause a crisis and a consequent slowing down.
Marc Slanzi from Bolzano – LimoneXtreme Skyrace
«How important is a correct integration in the race?»
To face the Limone Skyrace it will be essential to pay attention to integration. In addition to the classic water bottle with water and salts, I always carry also one of only water in case I struggle to assimilate the integrator. Another advice I can give is: take the time to feed and hydrate yourself regularly, without the hassle of a chronometer. And in the post race, before diving in the “third time”, treat yourself to a recovery drink or a good ice cream.
Marco Benetello from Bolzano – LimoneXtreme Skyrace
«How do you deal with post-race recovery?»
The best recovery after a race certainly starts with a beer in the company of those who have shared the effort with you! Next I personally rely on my Compex electrostimulator and a day of well-deserved rest, then I gradually start training again.
André Baravex from Aosta – LimoneXtreme 10K
«How do you prevent injuries?»
Based on my experience, alternating training to running is fundamental – the so-called cross-training – such as cycling or swimming and a gradual approach to long distances, since they wear down the body much more than the short ones. The two injuries that struck me this year – due to lack of preparation and lack of experience – occurred precisely on these occasions. Before getting carried away by the charm of long distance, I believe that for a while I will devote myself to the only-up and short-distance trials.
Luca del Pero from Monza Brianza – LimoneXtreme VerticalKM and 10K
«What shoes do you use in the race?»
For Verticals I use the Dynafit Feline Up Pro, because they guarantee the maximum lightness possible and are also equipped with an excellent tessellation that gives me the certainty of an exceptional grip in every step. For the Skyrace, instead, I will use the Dynafit Trailbreaker EVO, much more comfortable but at the same time reactive and sensitive uphill. Perfect thanks to the Pomoca sole, exceptional on wet stones because they provide high ankle protection for pronators like me.
Giovanni Bosio from Torino – LimoneXtreme VerticalKM and Skyrace
«Do you use different material depending on the distances, for example, between Vertical and Skyrace competitions?»
Yes, the choice of the most suitable technical gears is fundamental, because these are two very different disciplines that require different equipment. The most important thing are the shoes. In long rides, for example, I use more cushioned footwear that protects me from pain or blisters, while for the Vertical I choose lighter and more responsive models such as the Dynafit Feline Up Pro, the same ones that I will also use in Limone. Also talking about gears, the choice is completely different: in short races, where mandatory gears is not required, a windproof is enough. In the skyrace, on the other hand, you cross many kilometers with a lot of difference in height, so it becomes essential to have everything you need to cover yourself in any situation, including windproof, trousers, gloves and a cap.
Francesca Perrone from Trento – LimoneXtreme VerticalKM
More info on: www.dynafit.com