Discover trail running in the mountains of Les Orres

End of field day: discover trail running in the mountains of Les Orres

With Embrunais Athlétic Club

Sneakers on tight, water bottle in the bag, straps correctly adjusted... I'm all set for the " Mountain trail discovery" outing. Every Monday in July and August, coaches from the Embrunais Athlétic Club (EAC) head up to the Les Orres ski resort for a session with those who want a taste of this wilderness adventure. I can't wait to be immersed in the majestic larch forests.

A gentle start

Despite the altitude, the air is still warm in the late afternoon. Backpacks for some, poles for others, we wait wisely for our coach in front of the tourist office. Gabin and Jacques soon join us and greet the group. Gabin takes the floor and explains how the outing will be run: we'll be taking trail route no. 1. This green trail covers just over 6 km and offers a wide variety of paths. It's an ideal playground for getting to grips with this sport that combines sport and a love of nature. Our group is made up of runners with varying degrees of experience. Gabin reassures the group: we'll be taking breaks to recuperate, and everyone will be waiting for each other.

As a warm-up, we jog towards the start of the circuit, at the far end of the Épervière parking lot. We can see the start of the trail, marked by the successive passages of runners and hikers. What a pleasure to get away from the asphalt and find some fresh air under the larch trees! We're immediately into the swing of things: roots, stones and embankments greet our first strides. These natural obstacles offer just as much fun as they do opportunities for stumbling. And that's putting it mildly: one of the runners gets caught by the height of a root, loses his balance and falls backwards. Nothing serious, though, as the soft grass on the edge of the path cushions his fall. Concentration is key..

We soon reach a wide forest track, which we cross before plunging back into the heart of the forest. The flat trail runs alongside an ancient irrigation canal, trodden for hundreds of years by the local shepherds, the "pastres". The sweet scent of sun-warmed pines fills the air. A gentle, bucolic warm-up before meeting up with the rest of the group for their first break.

Things get tough

The group is reunited. We look up. A steep climb dotted with twisting roots rises before us. It's time to get serious! Gabin gives invaluable advice on how to climb this type of steep slope. We set off. The climb is tough. Legs get hot and tired, and most of us continue at a brisk pace. It's a technique well known to experienced runners, who save their strength for the long haul. Fortunately, the gradient eventually becomes gentler. It's with bated breath that we reach the end of this long climb and enjoy a life-saving break. Gabin takes the opportunity to point out the vast number of trail and hiking possibilities in the area. This inspires us for future outings starting from Les Orres.

We set off again valiantly to tackle the second part of the climb. It's a little gentler, but puts the less athletic to the test. There's no doubt about it: trail running requires both technical and mental skills. Sufficient physical condition, good stamina, the ability to concentrate and make quick decisions, and adaptation to different types of terrain are all essential. Adaptation to the local domestic fauna too: a herd of placid cows quietly enjoying the cool air in the middle of the trail. A glance to the right and left reveals that their companions and calves have settled down on the slopes of this stretch of forest. To avoid disturbing them, we go around them and climb a steep embankment. A few extra meters of elevation gain!

It's on!

Good news for the group taking a break at the summit: the rest of the route has a downhill profile. The trainers explain the techniques required for this type of profile and we resume our strides with enthusiasm. The trail is magnificent and playful. It meanders through the trees, with short nervous climbs following short descents. Some tricky sections require us to remain attentive to our surroundings. Concentrating on these natural obstacles, we forget everything else. A real break for our often bubbling minds. After traversing a playful and somewhat technical balcony path, we come to a short aerial passage, secured by a handrail. A magnificent view of the Chef-lieu and the mountains rewards our efforts.

Explanations on history, fauna and flora by the trainers, demanding trails softened by larch thorns and the beauty of the forest, a long unexpected climb... we finally complete our route and return to our starting point. Tired but feeling good. We feel that this connection with nature brings us real physical and mental fulfillment.

Despite the physical difficulty and unpredictable trails, we can't wait to get back into mountain running and improve our skills!

PRACTICAL INFO

• Dates: July and August, every Monday at 6 p.m
• Meeting point: in front of the tourist office 1650, les Orres 1650
• Duration : approx. 1h15
• Price : free of charge
• Recommended equipment: a good pair of sneakers, water if needed, snacks in a small bag close to the body

DISCOVER THE EAC CLUB CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL ITINERARY