10 tips for optimal Trail preparation by Ekosport

Before the race: prepare without leaving anything to chance

Choose your equipment in advance and test it.
No improvisation on the big day: shoes, bag, clothes, everything must have been tested in real-life conditions. Even your socks. You'll avoid blisters, chafing and unpleasant surprises.
Adapt your training to the profile of the race.
Uphill, downhill, distance, altitude... Knowing the terrain allows you to guide your sessions. Work on climbing, downhill technique and pace management if the course is demanding.
Plan your nutrition and hydration strategy.
Don't just eat "when you're hungry": on a trail, you need to anticipate. Test your snacks and hydration rhythm during training, and keep your routine simple and effective.
Prepare your mental weather forecast.
A trail is also mental. Visualize the key moments of the race, anticipate the slumps, imagine yourself getting through the difficult moments. Your head can give your legs a boost when they falter.
Make a checklist and prepare your bag the day before.
Headlamp, race number, ravito, windbreaker, water, survival blanket... Everything needs to be ready in advance. A checklist means you won't forget anything, and you can go to bed with peace of mind.

During the race: stay clear-headed and consistent

Go slower than you'd like.
Start excitement is a classic trap. Even if your legs are good, keep them under your feet. Start too fast always pays off, especially uphill or over long distances.
Hydrate regularly, right from the start.
Waiting until you're thirsty is already too late. Drink in small sips every 15 to 20 minutes. This will help you stay clear-headed, avoid cramps and cope better with the effort.
Eat before you're hungry.
Your body burns energy continuously. If you wait for the hunger signal, fatigue has already set in. Take a small portion every 30 to 45 minutes to maintain your energy level.
Use downhill runs to relax, not to sprint.
Downhill runs are not about resting: they place a heavy load on the quadriceps. Keep your stride smooth and controlled to avoid breaking your run, while relaxing your cardio.
Listen to your body, not your stopwatch.
Terrain, weather and altitude can all influence your performance. The aim is to finish in good condition. If you have to walk, breathe, then run again. Finishing strong is better than suffering.

Eat right, run better: the importance of nutrition in trail running

Nutrition is one of the pillars of success in trail running. It's not just a matter of swallowing a bar at random when you're feeling tired: it has to be prepared, tested and adapted to each runner. A prolonged effort, such as those on offer at Bélier Trail, gradually drains the body's energy reserves. To maintain your pace, stay clear-headed and avoid sluggishness, it's essential to provide energy regularly, right from the first hour of effort.

The ideal is to consume natural, easily digestible products that respect both the body and the environment. This is the spirit in which the Baouwbrand, with its organic purées and bars designed specifically for endurance sports. Made from simple ingredients, with no added sugars or unnecessary additives, they provide a healthy, effective and tasty way of eating, even when you're exerting yourself.

The most important thing is to test your nutrition during training. Every body reacts differently. Find products that suit your body, in terms of taste, texture and tolerance. This means ensuring that, on race day, food management will be a support, not a source of discomfort. Eating well on the trail isn't about cheating, it's about optimizing.

And one last piece of advice for the road: stay focused and motivated: maintain your concentration and motivation throughout the trail. Focus on intermediate goals, use positive affirmations and find sources of motivation to help you get through the tough times.