It's much too soon to know whether or not we'll do it in 2013! Do you know what you'll be doing in 2013?
THANKS
Before taking a break, starting on Thursday 9th June (see the following article) I would just like to thank you. You the Trans Aquitainians of 2011, you the 700 participants of the different editions, and finally you the members of staff who've worked wholeheartedly without reserve.
Thank you all for your kindness, thank you for your marks of friendship and your testimonials.
I'm not going to be available for many month, but there is no risk that I will forget you...
Gérard
Break
From Thursday 9th June I'll no longer answer the telephone or your e-mails.
I've given 7 years of my life to the Trans Aq'. 7 years in which my point of honour was to reply to your requests the same day. From now on, that's over, my private life is my priority. I'll not answer the important questions before September or October and I'll answer absolutely no "ten for a penny" questions. Of course I am the only one to decide what is important and what is ten for a penny.
The Trans Aq' website will stay on line but "fixed". No updating, and the forum will close down in the immediate future.
Photos, film
As indicated in clause 30 of the Trans Aq' Rules and Regulations, a personalised CD of photos of yourselves is offered at a price of 25 €uros including shipping and a 40 minutes DVD for 30 €uros shipping included.
We're not dealing with these orders this year. Please contact:
For this, probably last, Trans Aq', we haven't made much of an effort communication wise. The newspaper Sud-Ouest has published two articles, one before the start and one during the race.
France 3 television ran up a report on the last day. You can find it here:
You liked the wine of Château de Callac. You drank a 2004 red wine from the Grave region, but also a Cérons (sweet white wine) at the finish line of the night run.
The owner of the château, Matthieu Gufflet**, is a Trans Aquitainian as can be seen from his 2 stars.
You may contact him to order his wine at : callac-mg@orange.fr
Beat Cystic fibrosis
Renaud Michel* reached you during his speech about cystic fibrosis.
Visit his website to know more and to help him in his fight against the disease:
http://vaincrelamucoviscidose.alvarum.net/transaq
Exceptional Vintage
This 7th and probably last edition of the Trans Aq' has been of an exceptional vintage!
Only 5 abandons, the best weather conditions and an exceptional solidarity.
We're packing up the equipment today, Sunday, and tomorrow, and then we'll put the photos on line sometime mid-week.
All of the results are on line at the "Classification" page.
J – 15
It's the early bird that gets the worm!
In fourteen days you'll be at the Piqueyrot bivouac, on a peninsula of Hourtin lake.
Here are the sunrises of the last two days, as seen from the bivouac...
J-17 Road books
The itinerary is now entirely marked up, but if you've read the rules and regulations (20% of you read them...) you'll know that orienteering is allowed. But only under the condition that you use the tracks that figure in the road book and do not use cycle paths or roads (even along the verges, for those who think they can pull a fast one...).
In the example of the 2009 road book below, I've marked out in pink a "possible short-cut" (on the originals, the short-cuts won't be marked up, obviously, they are for you to work out yourselves). This one is very easy to work out, but it's not always the case. In reality, this one may not really gain you anything. Effectively, the marked up route is indicated in its majority as "S2". This means that there is very little sand (pine needles). But the "short-cut" is a fire break. Fire breaks are always straight (that's how we can recognise them on the maps) and always very sandy, to cut off a creeping fire. Very sandy did I say, "S5", that's how we've seen them. It's practically impossible to run on.
You'll also notice in this example, that there is some relief, especially at the end of the fire break. The gain in time is, therefore, hypothetical, as are most of the short-cuts that I offer...
J-18 White pickets
After the wine, white pickets!
The Trans Aq' itinerary is completely marked out. Our reputation is one of a well-marked itinerary, the "oldies" will tell you.
Our method is as follows. A white-headed picket is planted at each junction. It's always in the "new track" at a place where it can be seen from far.
If you have to go straight on, the picket will be just after the junction, on the right or on the left, depending on its visibility.
If you have to turn (right for example), the picket will be in the new track, less than 1 meter from the junction and there where it can be best seen (see the photos).
A ribbon is always paired with the picket, confirming that you've taken the correct direction.
A second ribbon, a few meters further on confirms the chosen option.
If it is more than a 90° bend, you risk not seeing the picket or the ribbon. A panel is, therefore, nailed to the picket, placed to the side that you must take. A ribbon will confirm.
For the night run, there are very few white-headed pickets. But a light stick will be placed there where a picket should have been found. All you have to do is go straight to the light stick and you're on the right track...
Don't worry!
Bibs
The bib numbers have been distributed, you cans read them at the "Entry List" page.
They've been distributed as usual, ladies first, men after in number of stars order, then in registration date order when the number of stars are the same or when there are no stars. Are you keeping up?
One exception, number 1 for Siko******
MDS Results
As promised, here are the results for the Trans Aquitainians (and similar) who participated in the MDS which finished today.
The first stages were windy and temperatures moved gradually from 29°C the first day up to 39°C for the last stage.
Samir Akhdar, who will be joining us in 50 days (if he gets his visa) held a great 4th position for 4 days, but got a little stuck at the end.
6th Samir Akhdar
28th Thierry Arnier**
32nd Laurent Pujol***
265th Estelle Miquet*
363rd Caroline Caumon**
392nd Franck Arlecchini*’
417th Nicolas Vaillant
454th Julien Léonard
501st Patrick Mouyen
555th Cécile Bertin*
565th Tanya Landwehr
596th Jacques Cinet*
605th Fabrice Trioulier*
688th Gérard Hardy**
756th Philippe Jost****
811 « finishers »
+5 = 148
At two weeks from registration closure, we have 5 more registered runners.
Antony Rey (Gironde – our region) is a marathon runner under 3 hours, who tried the Cannonball. The Trans Aq' has been under his skin for a while (he lives 30 minutes away from the start line), so here he is at last. French scrabble champion, that should come in useful if the weather is rainy...
Roger Join is French and lives in Belgium. He's not given us any personal information, nerver mind we'll just say nothing...
Valérie Levai** and Karim Sasse** (Puy de Dôme – central France) are great adventurers and have given us the honour (and the pleasure) of coming to pick up a third star.
Yahaya Oumarou (Niger) finished in 4th position of a Libyan Challenge... so he's probably a "client" we should take notice of.
We are now 148 registered runners as of today (29th March), registration closure is the 15th April
Sticks and stones
Well we're back after a few internet connection worries...
Your messages are coming in thick and fast, looks like the pressure is mounting, no? Here everything is fine, no pressure! Everything is going great, which means that we're getting on great with our usual, before race, problems. The authorisations are coming through little by little (meaning very slowly), but we'll get there, as usual. The itinerary will be, practically, the one originally planned (look back through this page, you'll discover the descriptions we posted last autumn).
Our team is finally complete, we're putting on the finishing touches.
Sandra is receiving the medical certificates, and the questionnaires are arriving on my desk, it's good you're really well behaved!
So, in 9 weeks you'll be with us on the Hourtin lakeside. How many on the start line? Between 140 to 150 probably. Yes there'll be a few new registered runners (4 to 6 maxi) but there will also be, unfortunately, some withdrawals. Our statistics say between 7 to 10 injured (or those who chicken out) before the start. So take care, no injuries, go slowly. It's not the moment to run a stony trail race! Especially as it's of no real value, because there are no stones on the Trans Aq'! We'd know about it otherwise...
Registrations +7
If you check out the list of registered runners, you'll notice that there are more runners withdrawing than registering. Sadly...
Here are some more of my insanities about the last 7 to register:
Danielle Raach (Luxembourg) completes the team of tata flingueuses "gun-pulling aunties". And bullets will be flying: Danielle is a candidate for victory. 3h03 for a marathon, 9h34 for a 100km, she's used to trail running and spends her holidays in the Landes. So, she's someone to keep an eye on!
Paul Carrel* (English but living in Berlin) surprised himself last year. With little training, a modest runner, he was afraid of not meeting the cut-off times. But finally, he was never in any real difficulty and left a number of runners behind him. Author a great feature on a German website, he loves the Trans Aq' and proves it by coming back!
Libanio Pabecinha (Portuguese, living in Vendôme, a town in the centre of France) runs a marathon in 3h26. It's his first Trans Aq'. Sorry but we have no other information.
Naoki Takeshita (Japan) continues the tradition of having a Japanese competitor every other year. We know nothing about his running career, but he's 23 years old and lives in Kawasaki! So...
Didier Canesson* (Charente – Western coast of France) has one Trans Aq' and one MDS to his name. He'll be the "Captain" of the charentais volants (flying slippers) team. A winemaker, his pack will be well filled and he'll have many friends at cocktail time!
Jessy Lestrat* (Jura – East of France) has also run one Trans Aq' and one MDS. He'll be joining the "Lous sentious" team, a well starred team, cool with no stress.
Jean-Marie Papiérok* is also from the Seine-et-Marne (East of Paris). We could organise a bus from the Seine beaches there are so many of them. Jean-Marie will be a candidate for the V3 podium, a podium that will be well fought for this year yet again.
141 Registered runners + 40
As of 20th February you are now 141 registered runners and 40 pre-registered runners.
So here are a few of my insanities concerning the latest confirmations:
Fabrice Duvoyé (Vienne - Western/central France (the French department not the town in Austria)). A star and all his teeth. He's the scout for his team, not yet complete. To be continued...
Jean-Pierre Abjean (Charente - West France) has joined the "team with no name" spoken about previously. His 3h48m marathon and the experience of his starred coach makes him a definite finisher, even wearing slippers (charentaises in French)
Pascal Tesnière* (Seine Maritime – Normandy) has two corks, one star and arms like my thighs! Normal because for one I have small thighs but especially because he'll soon be taking the start line to row across the Atlantic. He can't live without the Trans Aq' and is using it as a training session (legs are as useful as arms for rowing).
Dominique Diffiné (Bas Rhin - Eastern France) has run the Millau 100km in 13h09m, the UTMB in 42h ans has also completed the Diagonale des Fous. That's good, because the more there are fools on the Trans Aq' the more we'll amuse ourselves.
Patrick Drzewiecki comes from the East (of Paris) from Seine & Marne to be exact. He's young (because he's 13 days younger than me) and has a very long CV! 105 marathons and at least 10 long stage races, including obviously the MDS. He was just missing the Trans Aq', he's kept the best for last, of course!
Emmanuel Piquet (Gironde – our region) first offered his services as a volunteer for 2 days, then 4 days and finally managed to get 6 days holiday. I was happy to have found a pair of extra arms for the bivouac, and then, he goes and announces that he'll be running the Trans Aq' instead! Manu, you'd better not abandon, because guess which job you'll be getting!
He's only been running for a year and a half, and already has a marathon in 4h15. The Trans Aq' will be his first ultra run, what a personality, he's yet another customer for the "grupetto...
Dominique Sikora****** lives in the Landes as his name indicates. The South West corner of France, where the weather is hot. Do we still have to present him??? No, he's THE Siko******, the one and only! He'll be coming with a strong "Cutiots" team and on top of that he's bringing along 14 other soldiers from Dax.
Soon Six kora and seven Trans Aq's!
Didier Corbière is one of the soldiers, from EALAT (School for light aircraft). 10h09 for the Millau 100km and one Diagonale des Fous, no worries for him, the Trans Aq' is right up his street.
Nathalie Juet and Gilles Goitia, also from EALAT have not given us any details. Hard lines for them, I can't write about their glories so that's going to cost them a beer (each).
11 student pilots: You'll have noticed that the registration list has 11 lines with no names for the EALAT teams. It's simply because they don't even know themselves that they've been registered by their officers in the Trans Aq'! They're students (learning to pilot helicopters) and their end of training Gala! It's going to be strange, I can feel that blisters will be stars too this year:
Pascale Montillot (Bouches–du-Rhone - South of France) doesn't (yet) pilot a helicopter and will be coming to the Trans Aq' by train (planned for the past 2 year). She dared herself for this year, and she was right to do so: The Piste des Oasis, the GR20 and a 3h50m marathon is enough for her to grab a star (if the wild boar don't eat her first).
Séverine Andrès has a (beautiful) star from 2006. Siko****** (yes, the same) brought along two "Sikorettes", Corinne Brunette*** and Séverine* who had just started ultra running. If Coco*** has become an addict of the Trans Aq', Séverine hasn't been able to resist coming back, so it's for this year. She's not a pilot either, but she repairs helicopters, it's her job. Just as well perhaps?
To be continued
Questionnaire
We're sending out today (by e-mail) a questionnaire.
If you haven't received it today friday by lunch time, please let us know.
It's a very complete questionnaire. Take your time to read it quietly, you've got until the 9th May to send it back.
For any questions, please check out our FAQ webpage, particularly for: Shuttle, Where is the start point, Hotels at the start point, Hotels at the finish lin, Car parking at the start point, Return to Bordeaux, Luggage...
Thanks!
Travel arrangements
Well you're off, the "ten for a penny" questions have started concerning your travel arrangements for the Trans Aq'. You're roughly 150, we can't deal with them individually because:
1/ We're not a travel agency;
2/ A great number of questions have already been answered in our "FAQ" page, particularly: Shuttles, Where's the start line, start line hotels, finish line hotels, start line car parking, return trip to Bordeaux, luggage...
3/ We'll be sending out a questionnaire mid-February that will allow you to reserve or not a space in the shuttle, book your Saturday meal, and even the meals for those who'll be joining you.
Thanks
Another eleven
Eleven registered runners these last few days. Here is some of my usual rubbish:
Dominique Mahot**** (Seine-et-Marne – region East of Paris), is our Saint Bernard (actually they're two, with Michel Laporte****). If you don't know how to manage things yourself and if you have the ambition of wanting to finish the Trans Aq', never let Dominique out of your sight. Forester by profession, he never gets lost, he's even beginning to put down roots in Aquitaine...
Thierry Dehais* (Ille-et-Vilaine - Brittany) Finished "morally" on a Trans Aq' podium.
This year he's coming with his sweetheart and should stay with her (bet you Thierry!). Yet another stubborn runner from Brittany (pleonasm).
Jean-Pierre Collet (Orne – North-western France) is a newcomer, not a problem, you have to start some day! I can't say any nonsense about him, because I don't know him. Don't frighten him! A 100 km runner, the Trans Aq' won't be a problem for you Jean-Pierre!
Nathalie Merlier** (Doubs – East of France on the Swiss borer), In the Merlier family, I'm asking for Mum! (the daughter?) with no noise (she doesn't snore) Nathalie is going to run for her third star. Hey? Jealous? This year, she's coming with her family:
Jérôme Merlier**, Nathalie's husband has 2 and a half stars; and half a corkscrew... There's always that! This year, he'll be joined by his younger brother. Have I got that right? So don't screw up Jérôme, I really appreciated your presence amongst the staff but you're much better off in the race aren't you?
Alain Merlier, no stars yet (but not for long) tells us that his victories are not as outstanding as his brother's who says that his are outstanding, nothing but outstanding... Are you keeping track? Never mind, he'll be less of a wise guy when he's in the forest. Te he!
Christophe Petididier (Essonne – South of Paris) will be a member of the team that's called for the moment "a team with no name". Not coming from the Charente region but from Paris he'll be the black sheep of the team. Christophe got into the Trans Aq' swing of things quite a while ago: he took part in one of our training camps 3 years ago, then did a MDS last year, and now abracadabra here he is!
Patrick Valot** (Seine-et-Marne - region East of Paris) is becoming very quietly one of our most faithful competitors. Two and a half stars, an MDS and one of the biggest "loud mouths". You can hear him from one side of the Paris region to the other! So imagine what it's like in the bivouac... No, only joking... he's adorable and we love him!
Corinne Chrétien** (Charente – West France) is sulking from the other runners of her region and will be a member of the Lous Sentious (the integrals in local dialect) team. You're right Corinne**, "it doesn't matter which road you take, the will to get there is enough" (Albert Camus). But it's the third star that's at the end of this road.
Vincent Lorentz (Haut Rhin – Eastern France on the German border) announces a 2h48m marathon and a victory in the "Piste des Oasis" in 2008. That's largely sufficient to be amongst the top 5 of the Trans Aq', but only if you're careful. The Trans Aq' is an ultra trail. Ultra and Trail. OK Vincent? It's OK, I'm only pulling your leg, it's just to get you motivated!
Patrick Mouyen (Landes – South west corner of France) is a young bulimic V3! Bulimic for long stage races: the last 3 MDS, the last 2 Augrabies, comrades, roughly 30 marathons, etc.
Just to warm up, he'll be running the MDS in April! What stamina! Hats off to you...
Oscar Rodriguez*
It's with great sadness that we've learnt of the death of our Trans Aquitainian Oscar Rodriguez*.
If you ran the Trans Aq' in 2007, you'll have rubbed elbows with him. Discreet, he never complained.
Operated for a cancer of the digestive system a few months before, he wanted to participate in the Trans Aq' that he'd dreamt of. Full of hope and living life to the full of his lungs! I remember his smile when we passed each other over the itinerary. The "crab" didn't allow him to participate again, even though he wished to...
Although both of us were from Brive, we met for the first time in Morocco, during the 1998 MDS... I can still see him at our arrival in the train station of Brive, proud to bring back to his wife his 85th place in the rankings for his first MDS!
In 2001, when I created the 24 hours of Brive, he registered with no hesitation. He was the revelation of the race, 2nd with 217 km. During the week that followed, his calves were blue. An enormous bruise on each calf, he'd really been hard on himself, refusing to walk...
Yes, Oscar* was discretion itself, and he had incredible willpower!
Our thoughts go out to his wife Céline and his 9 year old daughter.
15 Registrations
As usual, here are my comments, sometimes à little fantastic (for fun and sometimes just to trouble you readers) concerning the latest 15 registered runners:
Fred Dubois (Lot & Garonne – Southwest France), has adventured a little bit everywhere, UTMB, PTL, MDS and participates in everything that is hard and great to do. If I've understood correctly he'll be with a team of friends not yet identified (ToFNYI)...
Arnaud Legrand* (Isère – Eastern France) finished a Trans Aq' as shown by his star. I'm ashamed to own up that I don't know much more but I'm going to do my best to repair this (that's helped you a lot hasn't it!). A second star will be his goal, no doubt about it.
Dominique Di Vincenzo (Alpes Maritimes – South coast of France) has finished 2 UTMB's and completed the last MDS in the middle of the pack with his team the Doc Trotters. The Trans Aq' will be just a formality...
Bertrand Bevalet** (Seine & Marne - Department East of Paris) has 2 stars (amongst others...) musician and poet during his free hours (especially at 16h) he's now part of the family, and not just the Trans Aquitainian family!
Loïc Le Floch (Gironde – our region) is an expat from Brittany (in Cap Ferret!). He finished the 2002 MSD and has many more ultra's to his name (100km, etc...). For him the Trans Aq' is also just a formality, but only if he's not tempted to sleep at home, in Cap Ferret (little scoundrel !)
Aurore Fichot (Rhône - Eastern-central France ) is an accomplished trailer. She finished the latest MDS, ranking 11th feminine runner. Hat's off to you! I think that she may be a member of the non-identified (ToFNYI) team, no?
Béatrice Bauchais (Essonne - South of Paris) is also an adventurer, specialist of mountain trail running (Défi de l'Oisan, Grand Raid, CCC) if you please! She'll have no trouble climbing the dune du Pyla!
Virginie Senejoux (Essonne - South of Paris) announces a few participations in the Amazones Raid and the Saintélyon. "So it's going to happen" for her star, no need to bring your bow and arrows, Virgine!
Frédéric Dupart* (Gironde – our region) has his star. That's done! So "why's he coming back to this hell?". It must have done him good the first time round, hey Fred*? Especially since the little white wine(s) this year will be from another Trans Aquitainian wine-maker?
Lee Watson is Irish and living on the Isle of Man. But he'll not be a tourist (private joke between bikers) coming to pick up his star! No he's a hard case, a real one, tattooed, with an MDS to this name, a few years ago.
Vincent Martin Dupray (Yvelines - West of Paris) has finished 3 MDS's with a good 82nd place in this year's ranking. He'll be a candidate for a place in our top 10 for this Trans Aq', if the small wild boars don't eat him first.
Sylvia Salviac (Haute Garonne – South west France) has finished the Citadelles Trail, the Templiers but also a GR20 (Corsica) in 6 days. She should be comfortable in the Trans Aq' forests (cf. etymology of her Christian name...)
Alice Cancel (Hérault – South of France) has a marathon and the Ventoux Trail to her name. She'll be one of our students in the February training course, a good choice to help her win her first star (99% of our students have finished a Trans Aq' or an MDS).
Laurence Perrot (Ain - Eastern edge of France) called "sleepyhead" has just come out of hibernation to prepare the Trans Aq' and the revenge that she's out for! She'll be a member of Franck's team " Oh ! C’est qui ?" (Oh! Who's that?").
Franck Denaene*** (Morbihan – Brittany) is one of our most faithful runners, as shown by his many stars. Specialist of sledge dogs (it's true) he's found a whole pack this year for his team O.SE.KI. Go for it Francky, but not to Hollywood!
2012
After long thought over many weeks, Caroline and I have decided that we will not be organising a Trans Aq' in 2012!
Don't panic, I've written 2012! The next Trans Aq' will of course happen, we're working really hard to make it the best Trans Aq' in 7 years!
As for the 2013 edition, it's a long way off, who knows what will happen in 2013?
Everything has an end, we just feel that we must move on to other things, there's more than the Trans Aq' in life!
So savour this 7th edition from the 30th May to the 4th June.
Concert
For the music lovers amongst you and those who would like to hear Caroline, co-founder of the Trans Aq' (must we remind you), sing; Rendezvous is given for a concert in Paris Monday the 21st March 2011 at the "Le passages vers les étoiles" (roadway to the stars) theatre (yes, stars, just like the Trans Aq'!). the theatre can be found at 17 cité Joly, Paris 75011 (11th arrondissement – administrative district).
Caroline a mezzo-soprano, will be accompanied on the piano by José Pires.
The program will be composed of Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart, Gluck, Saint-Saëns, Rossini, Offenbach along the theme of a "love recital" and will last for a little more than an hour.
I'll be there, of course, and it will be a pleasure to share a drink with any Trans Aquitainians after the concert.
Medical certificate
The form that is to be completed by your doctor will be sent out via e-mail next week (between the 17th and the 22nd January). We don't request an electrocardiogram (but your doctor might...) but we don't accept a sports licence as proof of good health. So to summarise, this medical certificate must declare you fit to participate in the Trans Aq' and not just for running...
Registrations: an update
We've updated the list of registered runners!
December is fateful for the number of good-will promises: 9 registered runners have cancelled, 11 pre-registered runners have told us they will not be confirming...
We have, however, as of today 6th January, 98 registered and 80 pre-registered runners (for a potential total of 178).
If all confirm we'll have 35 ladies (previous record is 33) and 64 "starred" runners (having finished at least one Trans Aq') which will also be a new record. Normal, because each year you are more and more having run the Trans Aq'!
In comparison to other years, at this date, we have a smaller number of registered runners but many more pre-registrations.
Take care, don't forget that the price increases by 50 Euros on the 1st February (see clause N° 4 of the Rules and Regulations).
Registered runners – Bibs
At the "Entry list" page I've been moving things around again between registered and pre-registered runners in order to regroup the teams.
As we've already said it's not a bib list, that will only be set up after the end of the registration period, and in the order that suits our organisation.
Who'll get N° ? Big mystery!
101
101 runners up to today! Here are the latest to confirm their registration:
Hakim Méziane**, Marc Simoni**, Victor Carvalho* and Hamza Bellili are once again forming a great team: the Domont Team (their village name, sorry, a small town in the Val d'Oise – North of Paris). Nicer than them it's impossible! The usual challengers against the "Cutiots", the fight will start again in June, but the spirit will always be brotherly at the bivouac between these two bands of happy gentlemen. Hamza, victim to a stress fracture on the 5th day last year will come and pick his first well-earned star.
Catherine Lemesle (Loire Atlantique - Upper west coast of France) is an "adventurer": 100km, CCC, Morbihan, Népalaise, Algeria, etc... All that she need now is to join the Trans Aq' family, and that's a good thing that's going to happen!
Renaud Michel (Haute Garonne – Southwest France) will be a serious contender for a good place: 33rd in the last MDS and a specialist in long mountain trails. To be watched!
Christophe Pautot* (Ardèche - South-central France) is also an ultra trailer (CCC, Morbihan and a Trans Aquitainian). Something keeps pushing him to come back to the Aquitain region! Sand? Pine trees? Trans Aq' spirit?
Maud Piovesan (Ille et Vilaine - Brittany) is in the company of Thierry Déhais*, who will also be on the start line. This will be their "honeymoon" and they should run together (if Thierry can keep up!). A lovely story isn't it?
Thierry Moreau (Drôme - South-eastern France) a regular at Millau (100km) and the UTMB will also be coming to pick his first Trans Aq' star, well advised by Corinne Brunette***
Christian Blanc (Seine-Saint-Denis – Paris suburbs) is also looking for something else, with his experience of the UTMB and the Grand Raid.
Jean-Yves Danjon (Rhône - Eastern-central France) is a young V3, A super adventurer, UTMB, Grand Raid, Petite trotte à Léon (300km, 100% mountain trail), Iceland on skis and self-sufficiency. Yep! Yet another future star!
Carine Binsfeld (Luxembourg) is the latest teamster of the beautiful "band" of Luxemburg adventurers. She's run the Swiss Alpen, the Jungfrau, the Luxemburg trai, etc... and so the Trans Aq' is just a formality.
Stéphanie Malherbe and Thierry Asselin (Canada) continue the tradition of having Canadian runners on the Trans A'. They are two "sturdy" runners, both candidates for the podium, if not better if they resist the good wine at the pasta party!
Julien Bonnet (Charente – West France) is a youngster (26 years old) who'll be joining the Charentais team (re-inforced by 2 Parisiens that they met during a Trans Aq' training course –the team doesn't have a name for the moment). We don't have any running details for Julien, but as we've already said we like those "who dare" and there are many great successes like this in Aquitain.
Gilles Llorca lives in Paris (no one's perfect!) and is a marathon runner who's crossing the line into ultras and gives us the honour of choosing the Trans Aq' for this! A member of one of Dominique Philippot's** "Courir le Monde"(run the world) teams.
To be continued...
16 more
Dominique Philippot** (Paris) is one of our most faithful and caring Trans Aqitainian's. He's run all over the world and this year, once again he's bringing two teams with him called, guess... yes, of course "Running the world" (Courir le Monde)!
Dominique Fouquet (Val-de-Marne – South-East of Paris) a young veteran 3 will be a candidate for the victory of his category. He's run the "Nepalaise" and many Trails.
Olivier Goudet*** whom we've often talked about here is the "Captain" (3 star general?) of the Team Trail Touraine. Thank you Olivier for letting such a large number of future Trans Aquitainians discover the Trans Aq'!
Jean-Pierre Martin* (Mayenne- Nort-West France) is coming to pick his second star. Between times he's tried the MDS and is now giving us the honour of returning. It's a well known pattern for Trans Aquitainians...
Alain Ingargiola (Isère Eastern France) is an ex-amateur cyclist and after trying marathons and becoming a regular at triathlons, raids and trails has, at last, joined the happy Trans Aq' family.
Jean-Christophe Louis* (Touraine – Paris Basin) a big Coca drinker before God, has decided to try the 2011 vintage (private joke). Welcome Jean-Christophe!
Thierry Zaghet*** (Nièvre - Burgundy, Centre of France) is as rapid as he's discreet and kind. He holds a stage victory title on the Trans Aq' and a second place in the final rankings. Faithful to the Trans Aq', he's a serious contender for the individual podium and also for a team victory with "Lous cutiots".
Pierrick Jéhannin (Brittany) carries on the tradition of many Trans Aq' runners from Brittany, a runaholic of ultra trails and marathons, he's just missing the Trans Aq' to be fulfilled!
Thomas Hilfiker (Switzerland) underestimated the Trans Aq' last year and didn't manage to pick his star (but he did appreciate the Médoc in the staff quarters). He's really been training hard (without drinking) to repair this.
Peter Schmid (Switzerland) Hasn't given us any details and the different browsers come up with too many homonyms... So he's a big mystery!
James Lequeux (Touraine - Paris Basin) is going to run his first ultra in the company of the really likable Team Trail Touraine, there's no doubt that he'll get his start because he's in the right school with a captain who has 3 stars (3 star general).
Christophe Rué** (Toulouse but originally from Gironde...) is also become one of our unconditional runners. Discreet, kind, protective, he's the guy who animates our Facebook pages.
Franck Rollais (Gironde – our region) has taken the big step into ultra running. He doesn't live far from Michel Laporte***** who be a good mentor. Well done Franck, we like those who dare!
Véronique Alliaume* (Hérault - South coast of France) can't get the Trans Aq' out of her system and the Trans Aq' can't either! Always smiling and adorable, only 5 months to go before you meet her!
Arthur Walsh (GB) From the Collins family****, I'm asking for…! Arthur is completing the most Aquitainian of British families!
Philippe Clerton* (Essonne – South of Paris) is also coming to pick his second star. He's a member of the Courir le Monde (run the world) team.
To be continued
Collins & Co.
Here are the registered runners for this week:
Guillaume Vimeney* (Gironde and Paris) is the victory holder. Very young and last year's winner, he won over all of the runners and staff with his talent, his kindness and his modesty.
He is actually victim to a foot injury, and has decided not to have it operated but to change his running stride to continue to run. The 2011 Trans Aq' is his optimal goal. We'll talk about it again...
Pascale Ménard**** (Finistère – Brittany) faithful amongst faithful, star amongst stars has become over time the "Must" of the Trans Aq' stars: What would we be without her!
Andrée Reinert-Kletz (Luxembourg) has run many marathons and the Swiss Alpine (78 km), she's put the Trans Aq' into her program and will be joining us with her girlfriends to top it off..
Anita Vosman (NL & Lux.), another "calamity Jane" who's coming for a taste of the Trans Aq' with Andrée and her friends. A browser tells us that she ran the New York marathon in 3h58.
Fabrice Robert (Touraine – Paris Basin) joins the Trail Touraine Team. MDS, Templiers, Diagonal; the Trans Aq' will just be a (agreeable) formality!
From the Collins Family**** (GB – London) I ask for dad (Chris**), mum (Vanessa), the sons (Steven* and Gary*). They just need to confirm their gender! A big family that will give some competition to the Merlier family****.
Véronique Lefèvre (Val d'Oise – North of Paris) also gives us the pleasure of wanting to come back! Victim to a tick bite, she spent the summer battling against Lyme disease. She'll be with us in June of course (wearing leggings?).
François Fleury (Royan – West coast of France) is a bit of a special case (like all of you, finally!). Category V4, a hiker up until 2009 (St. James way, etc...) he's got it into his head to take a go at the Trans Aq' and started running in July 2009! François, don't overdo it! TheTrans Aq' at a fast walk and with a light backpack, is possible (not true Sue?!) (very true and with a stress fracture to top it off (note de Sue))
Christian Bas* (Essone – South of Paris) is also back for the second time in a row. Formula 1 precision technician (Team Renault) and a marathon runner, we are delighted that the Trans Aq' brings together so many different atypical profiles, so many great people...
46 / 57
46 / 57
The 46th to the 57th registered runner, here they are!
Philippe Mora*** is not an ordinary guy, he's finished 3 Trans Aq's, he's a member of the "Cutiots" team an specifically he lives in a place called Caupenne! (two "n's", what rubbish...).
Bernard Blanco (Hauts de Seine – West of Paris) has been all over the place, CCC, UTMB and even the Canigou Trail, which should be of some help when managing alimentary self-sufficiency (horrible play on words... Canigou is a dog food here in France...)
Pascal Lillaz (Haut Rhin – Eastern France) doesn't yet have a star but he'll get it with no problems: (UTMB,CCC, PTL,n 10 Saintélyon and the Gaulois raid (Pascal, we don't smoke on the Trans Aq', do we...!).
Lilian Pino (Hauts de Seine – West of Paris) gives us no information, but Google proposes first Liliane de Bettencourt and then indicates the Moroccan Marathon in 4h13 and a Trail someplace at the end of the world. Do you have something a bit closer to home, Lilian??
Liane Pocervina-Koenig (Luxemburg) is part of a group from Luxemburg who've place the TA in their program. Liane has run about 25 marathons, the K78 in Slovenia and the Jungfrau of course!
Christian Sabatier (Bordeaux and Abu Dhabi) is back for his revenge over last year, abandon during the long run, back problems. Very active on our forum, always in a good mood, his particularity (along with his big moustache) is that he trains in Abu Dahbi!
Graeme Samuels* (GB – Kent) has run the MSD and 1 Trans Aq'. He says he's coming back to see if it's easier or harder to run a second time! A vast philosophical subject...
Dominique Bonnay* (Haute Vienne – Western-central France) bears no grudges. He picked up a penalty for having turned up late at the start line bivouac last year... He's back, stronger with his Trans Aq' and mountain trail races. Let's bet that he'll be the first to turn up at the start, won't you Dominique? You could even help us to set up the bivouac on Friday!
Olivia Martinez (Touraine – Paris basin) is the second young marathon runner of the "Team Trail Touraine" that we spoke about when giving out the information on Marie Bodet. She gives us no running details and search engines get us lost amongst homonyms of diverse activities. But if Olivier has included her in his team, it's because she has "great legs!"
Andrew Smith (GB – Kent), a friend of Graeme's mentioned earlier has a to get his revenge, he to missed his first star and is coming back to pick it up. No problem because no one has ever missed out on their second Trans Aq'; revenge is a very powerful engine.
Christine and Jérome Devaud (Gironde – locals) have no stars but do have, each of them, 4 corkscrews. That's to say they have been a part of the TA organisation four times! Well known under the name of "Loulous" they've dreamt for a long while about crossing the line! It's the emotional saga, last year, of Petra* and Karel* that made them take the plunge and set them on a great adventure together.
To be continued....
+ 50
You've probably noticed that registration fees will go up by 50 Euros from the 1stDecember (Clause N° 4 of the Rules and Regulations). So it'll be 700 Euros for a payment in full, 750 Euros for a payment in 3 instalments (cheques).
So, you have 3 weeks left to save 50 Euros and confirm your registration.
It seems that some of you are hesitating because you don't know if you'll need the shuttle bus, the Saturday meals, etc. That's not urgent, register first for the race, we'll send you in March a questionnaire that will allow you to confirm your extra choices.
10 more
From the registered runners list, here's a review of numbers 36 to 45, that's to say 10 more.
Yannick Prieto (Seine Maritime - Normandy) received the best gift: his family are offering him the Trans Aq' for his 40th birthday! He started running in 2003, a marathon runner in 3h34 and he's finished the Templiers and the Morbihan Raid. A star won't spoil his victory list!
Karel** and Petra* de Bruijn*** (father and daughter) are Dutch and live in France for one and Germany for the other. Last year they lived a week of intense emotion in Aquitaine. After a bet, Petra accepted the Trans Aq' challenge and forced admiration from everyone, particularly her father. They'll be there in June, who' complaining!
Marie Bodet (Touraine - Central France) is a young marathon runner (3h43). She'll be picking her star with the Touraine Trail Team lead by the faithful Trans Aquitainian Olivier Goudet***.
Laurence Archambault* (Lyon – Eastern Central France) 4th in the 2008 Trans Aq', she's back and will be coming with her bunch of friends. Last year she won the last stage of the MSD! Someone serious to "deal" with for the podium!
René Chenon (Seine et Marne – East of Paris) is in the V3 category (+60 ans) and has been running for 29 years! He's run 94 marathons, 3 24h, 12 mountain trail runs and 10 stage races. There's just one that he doesn't have, so he's now going to get it!
Laurent Froment (Loire – East-Central France) is an accustomed trail runner (e.g. Templiers) and ultra road running (Millau) so, to put it shortly, the Trans Aq' is right up his street, a star is reaching out to him.
Geoffrey Styles (GB – London) is a young marathon runner (4h) who's going to lengthen the list of British Trans Aq' finishers. Welcome Geoff!
Hugues (Hugo) Trépant is French but has been living for such a long time in London that he's practically forgotten his mother tongue! He declared forfeit 3 or 4 years ago, but now finally he'll be at the start line, after his participation in the last MDS. Welcome home, Hugo!
Stage 6
After the hot shower at Saint-Julien-en-Born you just have one more thing to accomplish: the last stage! You have to get to the seaside resort of Saint-Girons beach, 22.7 km "only". Your packs are practically empty and your heads will be partying. An original stage for the first section with 11 km of tracks never used in previous editions. You'll cross a grassy plain, 1 km in diameter, that looks a lot like the Camargue (marshlands in the South of France – a regional park and nature reserve)! You'll even see horses running free...
Then you'll find yourselves in the Landes forest. Slight elevation (140 m) but susceptible to increase to 210 m: because of authorisations, I still don't know if the last 6 km will be run along the beach or in the roller coasters (baby roller coasters at this point). Or a little of both (roller coasters then beach, to avoid a tide not quite low enough...).
Anyway, no matter what, at the final finish line you'll have covered 210 km (212.8 last year) with 2230 m (or 2300 m) elevation (2295 m last year).
After tears of joy, it's back to civilisation after 6 days of forests, dunes, beaches...
Stage 5
From South Mimizan (Forestry house of Leslurgues) at Saint Julien en Born (La Lette Fleurie campsite), the 5th stage will cover 28.1km (26.1 km last year) for 450 m elevation (330 m last year)
After 5 days, you'll have covered 187 km (186 last year) for 2 087 m elevation (1989 last year). So all is normal.
This stage is exclusively forest, very little sand, less even than last year. Lots of ground covered in pine needles, sometimes scattered with seedlings of broom ,fern and gorse The start and finish of this stage are identical to last year, but many of new tracks in the middle of the itinerary, very wild.
28 km, perhaps seem short to you, but our statistics show us that you stay on the circuit just a little less than for your marathon PB: this stage is usually won in about 2h20. If you run a 3h30 marathon you'll cross this finish line probably in 3h or 3h30. Heat and humidity, backpack, 4 days of accumulated tiredness, a practically sleepless night and weak running grounds will be the cause.
But surprisingly very few runners abandon on this stage because they can smell the stable and motivation moves up one more notch...
Stage 4
Stage 4 is definitively traced out, unless there's a bad surprise.
It's the most difficult to organise, I usually take care of the most difficult tasks at the outstart...
31.9 km, elevation 552m ascent and 529 descent (last year 34 km and 600m + & -).
An original stage, ascent of the dune by a new "face", small possibility for orienteering in the dunes (scoop!), moonless night, finish line and bivouac on the Cazaux lakeside.
A little extra this year: with the soup and bread, a glass of Cérons (sweet white wine) will be offered by Matthieu Gufflet** our partner from the Château Callac, and who will be running the Trans Aq'.
The soup will warm you, the bread will avoid you suffering an hypoglycaemia the day after, and the glass of wine is to send you to sleep with a smile...
Stage 3
From the Lion forestry house (South of Lacanau) up to the Cap Ferret point you'll have 58.4 km to run in 13h04 (4.5km/h). It's completely obtainable if you've kept some strength from the first two stages and if you manage this one correctly.
2 km more than last year, 304 m elevation instead of 260 m, it's the flattest stage. New tracks will be used halfway through the stage and a water crossing (dry feet) in a very wild section will be an occasion to take some great photos. Less sandy than previous years, this stage will still be as difficult, because the arrival is traditionally rendered complicated because of the urbanisation of Cap Ferret, and it limits my possibility of keeping you far from civilisation. So you'll not escape from the "roller coasters", and a few cycle paths (in mid-forest) and finally on the beach. Only 6 km this year because the tides are not in our favour and I didn't want to add additional difficulties...
Like last year, two start lines will be given in order to group the pack at mid/end of race and to avoid that the slower runners arrive too late in the evening: the 75 best ranked runners after two stages will leave an hour and a half after the others. But of course the run will be timed in real time.
I've already talked about stage 4, I'll give you more details about the last two stages mid-week.
Stage 2
If validated by the National Forestry Office, stage 2 is outlined.
From the "Gracieuse" forestry house (on the Hourtin lakeside), it will go up to the one called the Lion, South of Lacanau. A great classic for the last 4 years but the itinerary is each time a little different.
A little longer than last years (41.2 km against 38.6) it is, however, a little less hilly (410 m elevation against 535 m) and most importantly a little less sandy.
After having run (walked?) 27.3 km the day before, we'll pass over to 41.2 km for a total of 68.5 km in two days (69.7 last year) which is a normal average for the Trans Aq'.
The total elevation est 769 m (705 m last year),still at the end of 2 stages.
A little after the start, a rare viewpoint will allow you to see, behind you Hourtin lake (the biggest lake in France, oh yes) and in front of you the ocean (Atlantic, stop dreaming!).
In fact, if you have the time to dawdle, you'll have time to dowse (swim?) in the lake and in the ocean. And to top it all off a little later on you'll be on the Lacanau lakeside! So, a stage under the sign of aquatic landscapes and deep forests.
But you'll be happy to reach the bivouac, because 41 km in our land, wears you down!
Stage 3 is also nearly complete, it's in my head but not yet on a map. No time to tell you about it yet because I'm on stages 5 and 6 tomorrow and Friday. I'll probably tell you about it on Sunday...
Be with you again soon.
Stage 1
Finalised and approved by the Forestry Office. The start will be given from Piqueyrot (Hourtin parish) as in 2009 and the bivouac will be installed on the peninsula of the Hourtin lake.
This stage will be 27.3 km long (31.1 km this year) but the elevation will be 359 m (170 m this year).
The route will be quite unusual with 2 passages along the lakeside and a passage along the ocean. All types of forest will be travelled through before reaching, once again this year, the magic bivouac of "La Gracieuse". Swimming in the lake is programmed!
Bibs
On the registrations page, I've moved around the registered and pre-registered runners.
But it's not yet the Bib list, this will be set up after closure of registrations, and in the order of our choosing.
For the moment the list first shows those who've registered (in green), in the order of their registration. Then the pre-registered runners (payment not yet received in the order of their pre-registration.
Hélène and the boys
Let's continue here with our old habit of telling you something about our registered runners. Comments that are more or less documented, not always serious, the goal is just to amuse you and to present you to your future friends of adventure...
We're only talking about registered runners, not pre-registered runners.
Hélène Pasquet (Ille & Vilaine – Brittany) has participated in a number of 80km trails runs and a 5 day raid in the Republic of Mali. No doubt, yet another star-decked Breton!
Yohann Moreau (Charente Maritime – West coast of France) gives us no details and Google neither. He does have method in his proceedings though because he's been fighting to be on the start line for the last 2 years: his employer has finally accorded him some holiday time, but without pay. That's motivation!
Christophe Rozelier* (Pyrénées Atlantiques – South West France) is back with us after a few years break. He'll meet up with the Cutiots team and it's at the top of the rankings that we'll be able to find him.
Gérard Martin (Bouches du Rhône – South of France) has run from one marathon to another over the past years and now crosses the line into ultra-trails. He'll have to leave the tarmac behind even for training because the Trans Aq' sands are unforgiving with road runner knees. But you've understood that, haven't you Gérard?
Marie-Laure Lagarde* (Gironde – a local) already has a star from last year. Two consecutive stars, it may be the start of greed! Watch out for addiction, you won't be the first victim..
What can we say about Michel Laporte***** (Gironde – a local)! Five stars that's no longer greed it's famine! An untiring Saint Bernard, if you're going through a bad patch at the back of the race, be reassured, Michel will be there to cheer you up and get you through to the finish line. Many runners owe him their stars.
Jean-Noël Olphand (Isère – Eastern France) is also a marathon runner and has only recently started trail running. A Saintélyon next December will... open his eyes. But ours will be radically different: no rubbish thrown around at our place, it's the ribboning you have to follow! He's a member of the "Courir le Monde" team, dear to Dominique Philippot**.
Patrick Patissou (Essonne – South of Paris) is also a member of the "Courir le Monde" team, tells us he's run no less than 30 marathons, in particular New York and a good 3h43 at the last Marathon de Sénart. Someone to keep an eye on for the V2 rankings.
Corinne Brunette*** (yes 3 stars) lives this year in the Drôme (South Eastern France). Makes you think that she moves house for each star! We'll have to give her a galaxy soon! Faithful amongst faithful, we're looking forward to seeing her soon!
Warren Disses (Rhône – Eastern Central France) is someone to "deal" with: 75th in the MDS, 9h07 for 100km and a great 9h25 at Millau (100km)! What more can be said?
162
The list of registered and "pre-registered" runners has just passed the 160 mark, for 200 available places.
I told you about the possible arrival of 25 student helicopter pilots. It's confirmed and even better with 29 runners. A few names are already on the list, they're the runners. But all the others marked with an "x" on the list are students of the EALAT (Ecole de l'Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre – Light Aviation Land Army School) based in Dax - South West France (Thanks Captain Sikora******). The Trans Aq' will be a training course to harden them up before starting their flying course. We don't know their names yet, and there'll be some lady runners. In reality even they don't know that the army has pre-registered them in our race, and they don't even know what's waiting for them... "Things will "fly low" when they find out!
15 + 10
Let's continue with our old habit of telling you something about our registered runners. Comments that are more or less documented, not always serious, the goal is just to amuse you and to present you to your future friends of adventure...
We're only talking about registered runners, not pre-registered runners.
Enri Coenen (Belgium) perpetuates the tradition, of having at least one Walloon each year on the Trans Aq'. For our great pleasure because their accent cheers up the bivouac and they are really a great bunch. (We haven't yet had a taste of the Flemish...). Henri is a 100 km runner, so the Trans Aq' is well within his reach.
Chris Collins** (GB – London) is passionately in love with the Trans Aq'. This year he celebrated his 50th birthday but had to abandon because of an "of day). Not just happy to have brought his two sons with him in 2010, next year it's his whole family who'll be on the start line!
Frédéric Debarbieux (Charente maritime – West coast of France) tells us he trains twice a week and his Marathon PB is 3h43 which shows his good running ability. So as not to suffer during the Trans Aq' perhaps he'll have to move up to 3 training session of which a long run on a variety of surfaces. What do you think Frédéric?
15
Let's get back into our old habit of telling you something about our registered runners. Comments that are more or less documented, not always serious, the goal is just to amuse you and to present you to your future friends of adventure...
We're only talking about registered runners, not pre-registered runners.
Let's start with the first 15 on the list:
Anthony and Sadie Hayes (Cardiff, Wales) have already beaten a record without crossing the start line: they registered at midnight (00h00) as soon as registrations opened on the 1st of September. Yes, registered not even pre-registered (payment on line via Paypal).
They tell us quietly and modestly that they've only been running ultras for the last 4 years. Google doesn't tell us much except that they finished the Cardiff marathon together in 3h21 and that they've registered for the 2012 MDS.
Clara Baechler* (Essonne – South of Paris), a Trans Aq', accustomed to stage racing all over the world. She runs in the indestructible diesel category! And always with a smile...
Anne-Paule Ferrer (Hauts-de-Seine – West of Paris) was injured last year before the start of the race (it doesn't just happen to others) and saw her husband, Frédéric Ferrer* leave without her. It's without a doubt that she'll be there this year to earn her first star...
Samir Akhdar (Morocco) is resilient. 7th in the MDS, he couldn't be with us last year because of visa problems. He's the brother of the Trans Aq' stage winner, Brahim Akhdar.
If his precious "sesame" comes through this year, he'll be fighting strong to be the victor. Not that easy with such a great change of scenery.
Pascale and Olivier* Basuyaux are in the same situation as the Ferrer couple. Olivier wants his wife to discover the Trans Aq' and that will happen next June.
Jean-Louis Lemattre*', A Trans Aq' and a Cannonball and 3 TA training camps, as a tester. It has to be said that he's just a beginner with 35 years running experience and he's run everything! But when you love...
The other 5 on the list come from Jersey. Paul and John Pirouet, Scott Pitcher, Tim Crowell, Tom Amy and Anton Seatter should have been here last year. But with two injured runners the team preferred to wait another year to be able to run together this Trans Aq' that they've been planning for quite a few years.
Howard Bailey (GB) gives us no details. Google tells us that there are a number of Howard Bailey's: a well-know rap artist, a baseball player and another is a famous gynaecologist. Is he one of these three? Which one will turn up... only time will tell...
To be continued...
Facebook and the Trans Aq'
We're going to delete the Trans Aq' page in Facebook to the benefit of a new page that will be named The Trans Aq'.
It's reserved for runners who've participated in at least one Trans Aq', for those who're registered for 2011 (registered and not pre-registered) and for the Trans Aq' volonteers.
Don't hesitate to join us.
Thanks
Christophe Rué** is the administrator for this Trans Aq' Facebook page.
Training camps
Or more to the point training camp with no "s", because this year there will only be one session. But there will be a session because we have received many requests.
Check out the "Stages" page and waste no time reserving, there are 10 places for the spartan version and 15 for the hotel.
Registrations – trends
21 days after opening up for registration you're already 90 registered or pre-registered runners (taking into account that usually 90% of all pre-registered runners, register).
We're, "in advance" when comparing with previous years (practically double).
It seems to me that it's not over because some will be bringing a team (about 15 names should be added soon to complete the teams that are forming up).
And one group of 25 runners will be registering in the next few weeks.
By looking at the first 90 on our list, it's possible to check out the trend by using our statistics:
We count 24% female runners against 20% last year and an average of 17% over the last 6 years.
We count 36% overseas runners which is much higher than the usual average (20%).
We count 25% "new" French runners against an usual average of 63%, it's not many but it's normal, the "newies" are those who hesitate the most!
We count 14% of runners living in, or originating, from this region, against an usual 13%.
And lastly, we count 45% of "star" runners (past finishers) against 35% last year and an average of 24% over the last years.
Trends to be confirmed.
How many places?
OK, so we're back in business, I'm inundated with the same meaningless questions...
At this point in time, the most popular question is "Will there be any places left in ... (December for example).
If you're practically sure to sign-up, then pre-register! It doesn't bind you to anything and it allows us all to know if we're going towards a full list of registered runners or not.
Pre-register, we'll have a clearer picture!
The "Tran sack"
This is destined for the French but why not have a French pronunciation lesson too! French teachers teach that an S followed by an A is pronounced ZA. So you don't say "tran-sack" but tran-zack. You say "tran-zatlantic, well here it's the same, you're running the Trans Aquitaine, the "tran-zackytaine", the "Tran-zack!
So when you participate in this race you're Trans Aquitainians – Tran zackytains!
Hope you've understood, it's not easy translating these news articles...
Registered runners
You can consult the list of registered runners on our webpage "Entry list".
Registrations are open
The show must go on…
Registrations are open since 1st September.
At midnight, 2 British runners signed upon-line!
Armand
Armand has left us…
Volunteer doctor from the beginnings of the Trans Aq', he loved the Trans Aq, and we, you returned it all.
Very "pro" and a bon viveur, his absence will leave a big void next June...
Adieu Armand!
For those of you who live near to Bordeaux and who would like to pay a last tribute to Armand, his funeral will be held this Tuesday the 31st August at 15h15 in the Cestas church.
Film available
The 2010 film is available from 23rd July.
42 minutes of souvenirs for this great edition. From the "refugee camp" at Montalivet right up to your tears at the final finish line, everything is there, even that head-spinning climb of the Dune du Pyla!
I particularly love this year's film, and the very original sound track.
You can order it, and it will be sent out straightaway (see our "boutique" web page (french pages only) and order it online).
Araouane (Araouan or Arawan)
You've perhaps noticed that there's a new title on the menu, at the left of this page, right at the bottom, colour orange: "Araouane, oasis in Mali".
Visit the page, largely illustrated with some great photos. It's a cause that we defend and that some Trans Aquitainians are also starting to defend with us. It's a voluntary decision, of course!
2011 Registrations
Registrations will be open from 1st September, but we already have 14 requests!
The Rules and Regulations for 2011 are on line.
A few changes:
Clause 17:
Return of "light" orienteering. The itinerary will be completely and very well marked up, but we're going back to the rules of the first five editions. A precise road book and the possibility, once or twice, during a stage de gain some time (but not always distance) by choosing other options. One to three minutes may possibly be gained on each stage, but the possibility also exists of you going wrong and loosing time.
It's just for the fun and for the adrenalin rush.
But I repeat, the itinerary will be completely marked up!
Clause 19:
A few changes concerning lamps.
Clause 23:
·We've established a list of recommended products for the first aid kit.
·A survival blanket is now mandatory (numerous cases of hypothermia this year).
·A metallic knife blade is now mandatory (some of you had plastic knives). The knife may be very small, but the blade must be able to cut.
Finally, we've removed the final finish line accommodation (mobile homes) that was included in the registration fee, because this year we spent far too much time working on the reservations (perhaps 40 working hours and you sometimes changed your minds even during the race!) and some of you complained because we weren't efficient enough getting you to your front door steps...).
We'll give you the address and telephone number for the reservation service of the camp site and you can make your own reservations, everyone will be happy and we can spend our time and energy organising the race.
For those who don't want the worry of the extra expense, the bivouac will be set up once moret, in the campsite not far from the hot showers, so you'll have the possibility of spending one more night!
Stage victories
This year Anne Wade*** won 3 stages, Nadia Vételé** 1 stage and our "novice" Claudine Jaillet* 1 stage also.
Guillaume Vimeney* took 4 stages, Hakim Méziane** 1 stage and Sébastien Bousquet 1 stage also.
The honours list of winners for Trans Aq' stages:
Lucile Belotti*, Edith Doyen* and Alexandra Rousset** 6 victories
Sophie Satrin* 5 victories
Ruth Maillard* 4 victories
Anne Wade*** 3 victories
Emmanuelle Dudon***’ and Marie-Anne Soulier* 2 victories
Those who know me well, know that I don't run after the mass media. I do the minimum, more by respect for you and for our partners, but I've had no illusions for a long time: the Trans Aq' doesn't interest the media. It's not sensational. 152 competitors? Ah! Ha! "It's a small race"; Not tons of rubbish on the itinerary, no spectators trampling the nature, no booming sound system at the finish line, no lasers scouring the skies... etc.
I would need at least a serious accident (cf le Mercantour) to talk about the Trans Aq'. So I really am an idiot, putting so much energy and means into making the race so safe each year, its stupid!
The local press, well intentioned, it must be said, did however cover the Trans Aq every day, with help from our press agent.
But no television this year. A well know channel wanted to cover the 5th stage, mais... No one turned up. More urgent information elsewhere. Information?
Here are the headlines from last night's news broadcast: The poor trader J. Kerviel who stole millions (from us) "risks" 5 years imprisonment, a couple who've been beating up their child for the last 7 years "risk" 3 years imprisonment, and finally a guy who refused to pay his parking fines for years left prison, poor guy. Not even a paedophile to hear about, a shame for the audience ratings.
It reminds me of a journalist really excited before the 24 hours in Brive, who hardly said hello to me, then "They tell me there's a disabled competitor! I'ld like to interview her!". My reaction, cooled him down and there was no interview.
My grandmother said that to be remarked, you just have to push a feather up your bottom. Those days are long gone, you have to do a lot more these days, the media are bid higher and high and our children no longer have any bearings. And they (the media) explain that it is us who request this type of news!
Long live the liberty of the press!
Stars
On our "Stars" web page, we've updated your stars.
1 runner 6 stars
1 runner 5 stars
9 runners 4 stars
19 runners 3 stars
72 runners 2 stars
461 runners 1 star
66 non finishers
This year, 93 new stars of which 5 who abandoned in the past and who came back to get their revenge.
Please let us know of any possible mistakes.
Itinerary
You'll have noticed that I've grouped together all the stage descriptions.
Today, I've tweaked a little the itinerary of the second stage, I've simplified it, reduced it by 1 km and taken away a little bit of sand. I've found loads of new tracks and a really wild gorge where 2 resin pot "mines" have resisted the ages. I'm going to leave them there, you'll see them as your pass by.
Unfortunately this stage will be quite sandy and you'll find it really long. But the landscapes are magnificent...
The 2010 Trans Aq' itinerary is now definitive, if its validated by the local authorities.
Here's a table comparing the stages for the 6 Trans Aq's.
Note that in 2006 stage 3 was shortened because of the heat-wave, but 2 runners completed the original planned distance (68 km) (Another runner wanted to complete the missing 9 km "off-race", I've forgotten who it was... If he knows then perhaps he could refresh my memory!).
The figures below are correct, even if they go against what I've announced in the "Trans Aq' Story's".
Etape 1
Etape 2
Etape 3
Etape 4
Etape 5
Etape 6
Total
48 km
31 km
62 km
30 km
31 km
19,5 km
221,5 km
2005
160 m
279 m
266 m
315 m
160m
14 m
1 194 m
40 km
30,6 km
58,9 km
30,2 km
35,1 km
25,3 km
220,1 km
2006
136 m
319 m
315 m
510 m
421 m
202 m
1 482 m
27,7 km
44,2 km
54,2 km
33,7 km
35,3 km
28 km
223,1 km
2007
386 m
633 m
387m
607 m
304 m
241 m
2 558 m
29,7 km
33,9 km
58,2 km
37,2 km
36,8 km
20,3 km
216,2 km
2008
483 m
393 m
309 m
698 m
380 m
50 m
2 313 m
28 km
41,5 km
57,3 km
39,2 km
23,6 km
27,1 km
216,7 km
2009
322 m
480 m
376 m
686 m
292 m
175 m
2 331 m
31,1 km
38,6 km
56,2 km
39,2 km
26,1 km
26,6 km
217,8 km
2010
170 m
535 m
260 m
690 m
334 m
306 m
2 295 m
Will you be a starter?
To finish the Trans Aq', you have to first be a starter!
Each year, we are sorry to receive roughly 15% withdrawals. Yes, registered runners who regretfully announce, between February and March that they won't be at the start line...
This represents a good 20 runners... Usually for very good reasons.
Primarily because of injury: a chronic tendonitis that won't heal, or that comes to life because of too sudden, too intense training programmes, a difficult trail run or a race run too close to the Trans Aq' dates. Sometimes a tendonitis provoked by one of these same reasons...
Then the more serious reasons: broken limbs, tax controls, unemployment, divorce...
Some even forget to train during the winter and then realise that it's too late, the injury then becomes "diplomatic". Without talking about those who get cold feet... yes, yes I know them!
Before withdrawing, ask yourself the question: If it was the Olympic games, would I withdraw? Or would I participate anyway, so as not to miss it? Isn't the Trans Aq' a wonderful objective, something not to be missed?
So will you be a starter? Be careful then!
Chinese proverb: "Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still".
The Trans Aq' Story: TA 2008
169 competitors were at the start line of this 4th edition, a new record. Nearly a third of the pack didn't speak French and four continents were represented.
261 km and 2300 m elevation on offer. But the biggest worry was the weather. The forecast was very pessimistic, we were going straight towards a "wet" edition.
A heavy shower drowned the bivouac on the Saturday before the race start, just to give us a taste of what was forecast to follow. In reality, a part from a few drops at the start and a small shower that caught the back of the pack on the first day, the Trans Aq managed to dodge the rain. A miracle.
So this year, again, we avoided a heat wave and very dry, soft sand. The average speeds of the winners was, therefore, as high as in 2007 (11 km/h) and the abandons rate as low (8%).
First stage:
30 km hilly run on the menu (500 m elevation between the 10th and 28th kilometre) and the rain threatened. The first kilometres were run on the beach in the spray and mist. The wind-breakers were out. But in the forest it was warm and humid, sweat was running! A good opportunity for orienteering presented itself (allowed in 2008), and then another and Dominique Sikora*** in great form turned the heads of the leaders and was a menace to them right up to the finish line. Walter Jeannin beat Thierry Arnier by only 4 seconds and Jérôme Bézériat by 17 seconds. No one knew at the time, but it was at this moment that the final victory was played...
Edith doyen ran a lone race and won it by 18 minutes over the Austrian Irina Guarghias who was here to celebrate her 40th birthday.
The "Cutiots", led by Thierry Arnier*, Siko*** and Laurent Pujol* also took the team lead (3 minutes).
A rain shower caught the rear guard at the end of the stage. No abandons this day but 4 competitors will be withdrawn, they got in more than an hour later than the others and particularly more than 30 minutes after the cut off time.
A heavy shower hit the camp just at the end of the stage and everyone took shelter in their tents...
Second stage:
A classic now between the "Gracieuse" and the "Lion" (Lacanau) but each year with a few variations. 34 km and 400 m elevation within the first 10 km.
The end of the stage was run on the beach, with a good dune to climb up and then down again just at the finish line. Walter Jeannin came in ahead again, but this time with Jérôme Béréziat. They have only 19 seconds advance on Manuel Berthelot.
Edith Doyen has, this time, an 8 minute advance on Irina, but the difference has been made.
The Team Sohbi Rennes from Brittany left the Cutiots 12 minutes behind and the fight is going to be interesting. The victories by different age groups is very competitive and each day sees a new victor. Still no rain on this stage, not too hot, not too cold, practically a holiday for the pack, the proof being no abandons for this day. A big "first" for a second stage!
Third stage:
58 km for this stage, the last 12 km on the beach and rain threatening all day. Heavy storms fell only a few kilometres away, but not a drop over the race, the miracle continues.
Walter Jeannin and Jérôme Béréziat decided to stay together, and this right up to Vieux Boucau. Dominique Sikora*** keeps his form and finishes third for this stage.
Edith Doyen opens up a 36 minute difference between her and Carole Diest. For the teams it's a chassé-croisé, the Cutiots gain 20 minutes over the Bretons from Rennes and take a lead of 9 minutes.
Only one abandon on this 58 km stage, it's very surprising!
The Cap-Ferret bivouac will be spared from the bad weather, no wind, no rain, whereas in Arcachon (2 km away) there is flooding... A runner found some chanterelle mushrooms on the route, another collected some shellfish, that's self-sufficiency! To put it briefly, the "holidays" continue, but the pack is beginning to tire!
Fourth stage:
No one's laughing, 37 km by night, it's not easy. Especially with 700 km elevation, a real slide between the ferns. The Dune du Pyla passage will be less fiery than usual (see photos on the web page photos 2008) but still as emotional...
The "Dupont" Jeannin-Béréziat have become inseparable and win again, this time in front of Xavier Mézière by 1 minute. Edith keeps ahead on this stage and Irina finishes 12 minutes behind her. The Cutiots (there are 5 members) add 10 minutes to their advance on the Bretons from Rennes who are only 3 and so have no room for error, because it the time of the 3rd member that counts. 4 runners will abandon during this stage, proof that it's not easy to run 37 km at night following a stage of 58 km. The British runner Mark Plant, suffering from hypothermia at the end of the Dune du Pyla (fresh winds after the humidity of the forest) will be withdrawn by the medics.
Fifth stage:
36 km and 377 m elevation after 2 hours of sleeping rough. The threatened rain moves on and after a surprising morning fog, temperatures mount to 27°C.
It's a difficult stage, 100% forest and finishes with never-ending roller coasters. The finish line seems always to be behind the next hill, but no...
Walter and Jérôme have signed a pact of non aggression and finish together. They would like to be ranked ex-aequo at Vieux Boucau, but the 17 seconds that separate them since day one are still there!
Manuel Berthelot finishes 4 minutes later and Siko*** keeps a hold on the podium that is looming ahead!
Edith Doyen has 8 minutes advance on Carole Diest who is slowly nibbling away the distance that separates her from Irina Guarghias and is only 6 minutes away.
The Bretons go for it and take the lead, because the 3rd Cutiot finishes at 27 minutes! Unless there's a miracle, the game is over!
Another three painful abandons, the South African Dirk Staal, our senior runner René Dauteribes* and the Irish runner Mc Cormick victim of sever hypoglycaemia. This fifth stage is often fatal for the runners that don't eat at the end of the night run or who are injured.
Sixth stage:
Just a formality, or nearly! 20 km with 5 km roller coasters and 15 km on the beach, to finish. No one ever abandons the last stage... They'll be 155 at the final finish line.
Manuel Berthelot has wings and will take his first victory ahead of our two hand in hand companions. Walter Jeannin* has won... Siko**** finishes the race with no faults and takes the podium.
Edith Doyen* wins her sixth consecutive stage, something that no one has ever accomplished on the Trans Aq' with the exception of Lucile Belotti* in 2005. On the other hand, Carole Diest* catches up 11 minutes on Irina* and takes second place for only a 5 minute difference!
The Bretons from Rennes don't lose their luck and triumph at Vieux Boucau. (PS, they're back in 2010! - Xavier Mézière*, Manuel Berthelot*, Brice Mathis*).
Jérôme Béréziat* finishes second, but first under 40's age group, because Walter is V1 (under 50's).
Under 60's, a long battle between Joël Buchot and Jean-Marie Bahougne**** who finish in that order. Under 70's Francis Delaby*** battled with Bernard Petit* who pinched 2 stages from him!
Carole Diest is first V1 under 50's, Christine Dadoun wins the under 60's with 3 stage victories and Hélène Prepin V3 under 70's wins with 6 victories.
The prize giving takes place on the beach, very happy atmosphere and relaxed as always. And the rain left us alone right up to the end!
Stage victories:
Walter Jeannin* 5 of which 4 ex æquo
Jérôme Béréziat* 4 ex æquo
Manuel Berthelot* 1
Edith Doyen* 6
Stage victories by age category
Men's Senior (under 40's):
Jérôme Béréziat* 5
Manuel Berthelot* 1
V1 (Men under 50's)
Walter Jeannin* 6
V2 (Men under 60's)
Joël Buchot* 4
Jean-Marie Bahougne**** 2 ( 11 in total : 5 for V1 in 2005 and 4 for V2 in 2007)
V3 (Men under 70's)
Francis Delaby*** 4
Bernard Petit* 2
Senior ladies (under 40's)
Edith Doyen* 6
V1 (Ladies under 50's):
Carole Diest* 3
Irina Guarghias* 3
V2 (Ladies under 60's)
Christine Dadoun* 3
Linda Wilson* 3
V3 (Ladies under 70's)
Hélène Prépin** 6
The Trans Aq' Story: TA 2007
Here's the third instalment of the Trans Aq' Story.
For this third edition, the number of competitors was a little lower. But the pack was still very cosmopolitan and five continents were represented.
223 km and 2550 m elevation were awaiting the competitors. It's the weather that can make this event difficult and this year saw clement weather, thankfully! No really high temperatures, and if you check out the photos (web page photos 2007) you'll see the pack always running in maritime mists, especially the first day. And the ground conditions were, therefore, less dry, the sand less deep. Resulting in less abandons for the history of the Trans Aq' ( 7% instead of the 20% the previous years). The average speed was higher, 11 km/h for the leaders instead of the less than 10 km/h in 2005 and 2006...
First stage: Start line at Pin Sec, for the first time. 27.7 km very hilly and winding with a few possibilities for orientation. Benoît Laval* confided to me that not being in the best of form and as the opposition was of a very high level he decided give out some "disinformation". That is taking some orienteering short-cuts (still authorised in 2007) even where it wasn't necessary. Nervous, his adversaries didn't want to risk outdistancing him, afraid that he would suddenly turn up in front of them a little further on... From the first day, he successfully managed to eliminate in this way 2 rivals, only Jacques David (first ex æquo) and Laurent Martin* ranking only a few seconds behind were able to keep up the pace for "the win". On the ladies side Alexandra Rousset* went at it alone at the head of the race... the same for Anne Wade V1 (under 50's age group), Gislaine Ballans V2 (under 60's). To state it simply, except for the absolute victory, and the team rankings, all the other age category rankings were little battled for. It's not the most important part of the Trans Aq', because all finishers "are winners"...
Second stage: After a bivouac, for the first time along the Hourtin lakeside, in the magical place called la Gracieuse, the pack set out for the second stage, the longest in the history of the Trans Aq': 44 km to reach Lacanau, with quite a bit of relief, 630 m. With the idea of taking it easy in view of the next day's "long" stage! Benoît Laval* was still playing cat and mouse with his rivals: Laurent Martin* got ahead at the end of the stage but Benoît* and Jacques suddenly appeared in front of him within view of the finish line. The Montrail team picked up 6 of the 7 minutes that they lost to "Lous Cutiots" the previous day!
At the back of the pack, the "groupetto", were going well and thanks to the weather conditions and a good general running level, practically everyone finished well within the cut-off times.
Third stage: It's d-day for the "win"... 54 km programmed and quite a bit of sand, even if it is a bit more firm than usual. Benoît Laval* tried some orienteering, got lost leaving his rivals in the lead, but he didn't know this... Then, like a bat out of hell he managed to catch them up at 17 km from the finish line, in the "roller coasters" that became famous during this stage. He's worn out but hides it well and starts his attack, catching up 1 minute from Jacques David and Christophe Martin. This minute he'll keep right up to the finish. Laurent Martin* was having an "off" day and lost nearly 30 minutes.
It the "windshield wiper" day (knee tendon injury) and many runners are badly affected by this injury that is frequent on the Trans Aq' (because of the sand). Many will, however, get to Vieux Boucau, walking, limping, suffering... Amongst them, Amaury Delerue, and it was his birthday (and a party!) today! He'd given us for safe keeping a couple of dozen bottles of Champagne, kept cool in the caterers lorry. He generously offered the Champagne to all the competitors at the Cap Ferret bivouac. The Japanese runner Mie Minezawa couldn't believe her eyes when she arrived, exhausted, the last one in but within the time barrier: Amaury was waiting at the finish line with a glass!
Fourth stage: the weather was getting better each day and it was under a super sunset that the pack set off, not from the top of the Dune as in the two previous years, but from the Mouleau (Arcachon). 33.7 km and 607 m of elevation, it will be a difficult stage, at night. Especially this particular night, an idiot took down all the ribbon markers over 2 km of the itinerary, in the middle of an inextricable forest, at midnight! A moment of panic in the pack but the organisation managed to re-ribbon on the spot and so only about 30 competitors suffered. 21 runners re-grouped and met up with the finish line using their compasses, Siko** was a member of this party, compass in hand. A fixed time was given to these runners.
In the lead, Benoît doesn't need any ribboning, the road book is enough and he'll take his rivals with him. This time Laurent Martin* stays with him right to the end and gains his first stage victory. Jacques David lost 4 small minutes that will cost him a lot, because Benoît gets ahead little by little... Ivan Bertram*, 4 stars today, wins his first stage as V2 (under 60's age group). By team, it's the "Groupe Carrefour" that wins, but status quo in the general rankings.
Still very few abandons, one a day on average.
Fifth stage: the early morning mist is, after a very short, cool night! But the heat picks up fast (27°C in the afternoon) this will be a difficult day: 35 km and 304 m elevation for this fifth day.
Benoît Laval* now controls his only rival, Jacques David and lets Christophe Martin take off, each day gaining in form. He doesn't yet know that he'll be the 2008 eye opener for 24 hours racing, at national and world-wide levels...
Pierre Mialock wins his first stage victory for the under 60's age group (V2).
There will be 3 abandons and I thought for a moment that there would be more. Jean-Christophe Louis will be saved in the nick of time by a coca-cola that fell from the sky at the right moment... Dominique Mahot, (3 stars today) keeps an eye on his groupetto fold of sheep and brings in Mie Minezawa. René Dauteribes, our favourite oldest runner is hit by lumbago or some other sort of monster and finishes the stage bent in two.
Sixth stage: 30 km planned but the itinerary will be modified at the last moment and shortened to 28 km, because a track has been badly damaged by a near-by equestrian centre. So the final route ends up looking much like last year's, except that the last few kilometres on the beach are run at high tide and so in soft sand. The sun gets hotter each day, it's time that we reach Vieux Boucau! Christophe Martin still has his wings and wins this stage with a large advance on his namesake, Laurent Martin* who has been the most competitive competitor and the worst honoured: he led the 6 stages and only wins one! A group of competitors were fined by the race director, uncompromising as usual. It does nothing to shake up the general rankings but it does give a few surprises in the stage rankings: Nathalie Houriez wins the stage for the ladies, with Susan Serres* V1 and Sylvie Michon V2.
René Dauteribes at the height of his 68 years was living a nightmare at the back of the pack. Bent in half, he'll get to the end and receive a very moving tribute: all the competitors and helpers lined up in a guard of honour at the finish line.
Benoît Laval** is the big winner, Alexandra Rousset** the big winner for the ladies of this 2007 TA.
But not only them: for the ladies V1 (under 50's age group) it's Anne Wade*, Gislaine Ballans* for V2 and for the men it's Jacques David* for V1, Jean-Marie Bahougne*** for V2 (3 stars and 9 stage victories for his age group), and Michel Vassalière* for V3. By teams, Lous Cutiots got the better of the Team Montrail. Team members: D. Sikora***, L. Pujol*, C. Rozelier*, F. Nguyen*, and Nathalie Jourdan*.
During the prize giving ceremony on the beach, a storm approached and finished by bursting... The Trans Aq' "Continental Circus" managed to take refuge, just in time, in the Vieux Boucau gymnasium and the gala party lost nothing in the transfer: wild dancing right up to midnight; blisters and injuries mysteriously vanishing!
Stage Victories:
Benoît Laval** 4 of which two ex æquo (and 3 in 2006)
Christophe Martin* 2 victories
Jacques David* 2 ex æquo victories
Laurent Martin** 1 ex æquo victory
Alexandra Rousset** 5 victories (+ 1 in 2006)
Nathalie Houriez* 1 victory
Stage Victories by age category:
Men's Senior (under 40's):
Benoît Laval** 4 (+ 3 in 2006)
Christophe Martin* 2
V1M (Men under 50's):
Jacques David* 4
Laurent Martin** 2
V2M (Men under 60's):
Jean-Marie Bahougne*** 4 (and 5 V1M in 2005)
V3M (Men under 70's):
Michel Vassalière* 5
Alain Abdelmalek** 1 (+ 2 in 2006)
Sénior Ladies (under 40's)
Alexandra Rousset** 5 (+ 1 in 2006)
V1 F (Ladies under 50's):
Anne Wade* 4
Sylvie Apruzzese* 1
Susan Serres** 1
V2F (Ladies under 60's):
Gislaine Ballans* 5
Sylvie Michon* 1
The Trans Aq' Story: TA 2006
Here's the second instalment of the Trans Aq' Story.
For this second edition, there was an impressive increase in the number of participants: 152 (of which 22 ladies), from 12 countries and 3 continents! The Trans Aq' reputation had already crossed oceans! In total 31 competitors were not French and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the bivouac was already being felt.
229 km programmed, 2560 m elevation.
The Romaine Emil Arseniu (V3) came from Bucharest by train, and then from Bordeaux on his bike via the Dune de Pyla, then boat, then bike again from Cap Ferret to Pin Sec, with all his luggage. Sleeping under the stars, during 5 nights before the race, asking us for nothing: self sufficiency (self DIY?) had already started for him! Too many runners mistake us for a travel agency and need us to care for them right up to the start...
This year again, the anti cyclone was present: 4°C the night before the start and more than 30°C during the stage!
The first stage left from Soulac and went to Pin Sec. 40 km very varied with passages through ferns and damp ground over the Médoc marshes. Only the last part was sandy. One abandon (and one non-starter the following day), but this stage marked the bodies.
Benoît Laval launched a 6-day battle with Régis Coumenges and Thierry Dehais. At the end of the stage he used the only possibility for orienteering (authorised in 2006) to lose the second position runner (Régis) who thought he was the winner and couldn't believe his eyes when he saw (cheeky) Benôit waiting for him at the finish line! Sophie Satrin laid the first stone for her future victory in the ladies rankings.
The second stage resembled that of 2005, 31 km very hilly, rough mono-track paths along the Hourtin lakeside. Superb, but just 31 km to Carcans beach. The heat wave has settled in and a competitor will need a perfusion during this stage. The Hattab sisters, from Jordan, are really not at home in the forest. With MP3 in their ears, they didn't hear the other racers yelling at them when they went the wrong way... they'll be lost for half an hour. We found them, walking in the wrong direction, full North!
The 3 leaders decide to stall for a while and finish the stage together... Alexandra Rousset takes advantage of Sophie Satrin's only mistake to win her first stage victory (but not the last). The Romaine, Emil Arseniu takes his first and only stage victory, category V3.
Saddened by the lack of responsibility of certain participants, stressed by the risks that were to be taken by the organisation the following day on a stage twice as long and worried because of the announced heat wave, Gérard (your servant) gave a briefing that was one to be remembered...
The program of the 3rd stage was 68 km and the heat wave (37°C). The toilets were frequently used this morning, I wonder why! A highly supervised stage by the race director and the medical team: the forest is so inextricable!
Quickly, at the back of the pack, things were looking bad: 3 non-starters, 10 abandons, 2 runners pulled out of the race by the director or the medics, perfusions everywhere... The runners at the back are still at the 25th km and I calculated that the leaders would arrive at the last control post at the 58th km! The last 10 km are very difficult (down onto the beach of Cap Ferret only at 1 km from the finish line). I have to take a decision, right and rapid, before an accident happens. I thought about stopping the race at the 58th km. Nothing much to make me hesitate because 5 radio messages announced runners dropping like flies all over the place. But how to manage the time-keeping ? How to get 136 competitors to the finish line? The helpers at the control post (François and Françoise Martin) are capable (because strict) of writing down the times by hand. I decided to stop the stage. We'll work out the rest somehow, safety first! By radio I informed them of my decision. François then tells me that Benoît Laval and Thierry had already been through the CP 6 minutes ago, well ahead at the 58th km... They were sorting themselves out for the Trans Aq' final finish victory! So I decided to let them continue but to stop the other runners at the 58th km anyway. I added, to all runners times, a basic time rate equal to the second leaders time over the last 10 km. The radio message goes through to the 45th km so as to warn everyone when they get there. An announcement met with relief by everyone. Many told me that they would have abandoned at the 45th or 58th km if I hadn't taken this measure...
But amongst the leaders, "Titi" Dehais was weakening and finished with difficulty. That evening 134 competitors congratulate themselves on my decision, except Thierry who was disadvantaged by this decision because of the exhaustion caused by the extra 10km...
Benoît Laval, therefore had an option on victory because Thierry turned up 21 minutes later at Cap Ferret.
Sophie Satrin also opened a distance of 40 minutes (!) between herself and her runner up, Monique Gauthier, V2 and ex-100 km French Champion.
The fourth stage, a 30 km night run with the start line on the top of the Dune du Pyla looked nothing like the previous year's itinerary. Little sand, lots of relief and ferns, ferns, ferns, a 25 km run between 2 walls of ferns taller than the runners! Benoît Laval having taken control of the general rankings lets go the victory for this stage: Régis Coumenges takes therefore his second stage victory. Sophie Satrin nails it, leaving Alexandra Rousset 23 minutes behind her! At the back, the race director has to supervise Emil Arseniu who's wearing really bad glasses dating back to the soviet era! At each crossroads, he takes the bad choice and it's lucky for him that he arrived at the finish line instead of the military base of Cazeaux! Speaking only Rumanian or Russian, it's a good bet that he wouldn't have finished the night under the stars...
Only two abandons this night and one non-starter, the V3 multiple stage winner (6 victories up to now) Holger Finkernagel*.
The 5th stage, was long after a near sleepless night: 35 km! Lots of relief and the hot sun still very present... Many weaknesses but only 3 abandons. The itinerary was difficult, particularly the famous mono-track path at the end of the ininerary, hilly with scary percentages. Everyone remembers them...
Benoît Laval continues to control the race and this time, it's the Swiss runner Pascal Lauber who benefits by taking the victory of this stage. Sophie Satrin controls it too.
The surprise by the chief was waiting for the 129 survivors: a canned drink, fruit, bread and cheese! Long live self-sufficiency!
The sixth stage was harder than the previous year: still a long end of stage run on the beach (11 km), but a hilly 14 km beforehand with a cool passage along the "riverside", through the Courant d'Huchet reserve. No abandons the 6th day, as always on the Trans Aq'.
With victory in his pocket, Benoît Laval lets Sylvain Delépine forge ahead (the "Big, Giant Orange") but keeps a control on Régis Coumenges now his only rival. The junior (under 30 age category) Steve Louraichi is the day's surprise: after holding back for 5 days, he lets everything go and finishes 6th for this stage!
Benoît Laval*, therefore takes the victory ahead of Régis Coumenges* and Pascal Lauber* and the "unhappy" Thierry Dehais* who comforts himself with his V1 victory.
David Jelly** takes the V2 victory and Alain Abdelmalet* the V3.
Sophie Satrin* is first lady with nearly 2 hours advance on Alexandra Rousset*.
Christine Delangle** takes the V1 victory, Monique Gauthier V2 and Ella Sarfati-Botten* the V3.
Team winners are the British runners from Ripon after a long struggle against the "Cutiots". The members of the winning team: Jelley**, Chapman*, Wright*, Wilson*, Wallace*.
Emil Arseniu* went (by train) to visit Paris, then Paris-Bucharest by bike... of course!
Veteran 1 (under 50's): Thiery Dehais* 3
Philippe Evalet** 1
Jacques Rouhier* 1
Bernard Constant*1
Veteran 2 (under 60's) David Jelley**, 5 victories this year and 1 V1 victory in 2005
Patrick Braud* 1
Veteran 3 (under 70's) Alain Abdelmalek* 2
Peter Whewell* 1
Emil Arseniu* 1
Holger Finkernagel* 1 this year and 5 in 2005
See the photos, menu "Photos / 2006".
The Trans Aq Story: TA 2005
I'm proposing a summary of the 5 first Trans Aq's; today is the first episode in the series, The Trans Aq' 2005.
62 participants "dared" to line up on the start of this new adventure, of which 8 ladies, 5 Germans, 3 Spanish and one British runner.
The total distance was 218km with an elevation of 2150m.
But this for year, just like the one that followed, it was the weather that hardened the race! The night before the race started was really freezing (6°C) and I know some that hardly slept, runners and helpers alike (true Caroline!).
With the exception of the night run, it was hot, 35/37°C practically every day. Yes we can call it a heat wave.
This year, the start was given "right at the top" of the Gironde Estuary at "la Pointe de Grave". If the weather hardened the race, it was also because the heat left the sand very dry and soft. As said Anke Molkenthin*, "it's hard because it's soft...". And then the last element that probably made this Trans Aq' the most difficult, was the length of the first stage: 48 km. This stage created the most damage, in the bodies but also in the minds of many runners. The first night, all of them were asking what exactly they'd got themselves into. A wave of "fear" was going through the bivouac.
This stage was dominated for the men by the flying ahead of Brahim Akhdar who had more than a 15 minutes advance before getting lost, and then re-finding the route but at 2.5 km from the control point. He turned back and ran past the second positioned runner; in spite of the extra 5 km (at least) he finished 2nd for this stage, 7 minutes behind the winner, Stephan Vernay*.
For the ladies, Lucile Belotti* and Marie-Anne Soulier* ran the race "pacing each other" and finished together.
The second stage was short but good (31 km) with plenty of relief and mono-trace paths. Brahim stayed with Stéphan* so as not to get lost, but, finding the pace too slow he flew off at the half way mark and won with an advance of 12'41, the second biggest difference in the history of the Trans Aq' and only over 15 km... Lucile Belotti* and Marie-Anne Soulier* still paced each other and finished again together.
In two stages more than 10% of the pack went home...
The third stage, 61 km with extremely hot weather continuing to decimate the pack.
The hardest was over but tiredness and injuries accumulated over the past 3 days continued to skim off the pack more and more each day.
Brahim Akhdar* flew off immediately. With a seriously injured knee (contracted before the first stage), he decided to gain as much advance as possible, and then manage this advance to win, Inch' Allah! Unfortunately his advance suddenly melted away and Stéphan Vernay* and Thierry Burgaud* joined him around the 30 km mark before he abandoned, the pain was too great. Stéphan and Thierry got to Cap Ferret without gaining any ground, one or the other. But Lucile Belotti* played the "go for it all" and came in well ahead of Marie-Anne Soulier*.
The 4th stage, at night, with a start line on the top of the Dune du Pyla was the shortest night run in Trans Aq' history (30 km) but not less stressful for the organisation, with, amongst others, the German Manfred Fellner* victim of a "brain go-slow" who forgot to leave the beach and ran about 10 km before waking up and turning around, with 20 km extra to his counter. The sun was nearly up by the time he got to Biscarrosse but he was allowed to continue the event seeing as how he'd finished 50 km instead of 30, without ever failing and without getting lost in the forest despite the light sticks being nearly out.
Stéphan Verney* was going for a third stage victory (very important for the general ranking) 2 minutes only ahead of T. Burgaud* and Pascal Martin* (future winner of the "Intégral de Riquet 2009!) but 20 minutes ahead of the 4th runner.
Stage 5 was a typical "roller coaster" stage, with a ford to cross (at Contis beach). Thierry Burgaud* dared a bit of orienteering (authorised at the time) by reaching the beach in front of his adversaries and won, to his great surprise and especially his great joy.
Lucile Belotti* won a fourth stage.
Stage 6, very short (17 km) was not the easiest because it was still very hot, the runners were "cooked" and this stage was run entirely on the beach, with another ford to cross at Moliets before arriving at Vieux Boucau.
The victor, Stéphan Verney* put a point of honour on winning the pompom (a private joke) for the last day too, and with little distance ahead of T. Burgaud* very combative. The same for Lucile Belotti* who won the general ranking and the last stage. A stage marked by this photo of Marie-Anne Soulier* crossing the ford on the shoulders of her companion! She won the V1 category for this Trans Aq'. Jean-Marie Bahougne**** won the V1 category, René Heintz* V2 and Holger Finkernagel* V3.
For the teams, a complete feminine team (Interflora) led during 5 days (Christine Delangle**, Marine Volay*, and Isabelle Grégoire*) before being pipped at the post by the Spanish male team, Flower Power (A.Abad Albello- S.Diez san José- JA Oliviera Rodriguez).
Yes, yes, Dominique Sikora*****, 5 stars today, was there for his first star!
Stage victories:
Stephan Vernay* (Senior) 4 victories, of which 2 ex æquo.
Thierry Burgaud* (Senior) 2 victories, of which 1 ex æquo.
Lucile Belotti* (Senior) 6 victories, of which 2 ex æquo.
Marie-Anne Soulier* (V1) 2 victories ex-aequo.
Stage victories by age category:
Male Seniors (see above)
Male V1 Jean-Marie Bahougne* 5 victories V1
David Jelley* 1 victory V1
Male V2 René Heintz* 4 victories V2
Patrick Coste* 1 victory V2
Daniel Friedmann* 1 victory V2
You can see the Trans Aq' 2005 photos in our archives (menu to the left of the screen – Photos – Trans Aq' 2005)
The Trans Aq' is tiring for the runners but for the organisers too, the proof, Gérard at Vieux Boucau for the final finish of the first Trans Aq':
Comprehensive Method
The frequentation of our website has progressed regularly over the last 5 years. You're a little more than 200 different visitors each day, and 1900 different visitors each month. Equally increasing for the overseas visitors.
The most read pages are on the forum, the registrations and the news, in this order.
The less read pages are those of the Rules and Regulations and the FAQ...
This probably has a link with the fact that we receive each day at least 15 questions (telephone or email) where the answer can be found in the less read pages...
We're pointing at no one in particular, but perhaps you recognise yourselves?
It's not a problem at this time of the year, but from April/March, we'll not answer, because we won't have enough time.
Just for the story, last year a participant arrived at the start line without knowing that the race was under alimentary self-sufficiency...
Ah! The comprehensive reading method wrecks havoc!
Backpack weights
A few statistics, the same as every year.
Women:
Lightest backpack: 3.8kg (Chrystel Montant)
Average backpack weights: 5.321kg
Average weight of backpacks for those who abandoned: 6.34kg
Backpack weights of the first three winners: 4.6kg, 3.9kg, 6.26kg (!)
Average “podium” backpack weights: 4.92kg the highest average weight in the history of the Trans Aq’
Men:
Lightest backpack: 3.8kg (Stéphane Bordelais)
Average backpack weights: 5.412kg
Average weight of backpacks for those who abandoned: 6.248kg
Backpack weights of the first three winners: 5.96kg (!!), 3.9kg, 5.28kg
Average “podium” backpack weights: 5.3kg the highest weight in the history of the Trans Aq’
Resin pot mines
Yesterday evening, I went boar hunting… yes, yes, don't laugh!
Each year, it's the same thing! Getafix the druid is afraid of not having enough mistletoe for his magic potion, and I'm afraid that I'll not have enough resin pots* to offer you!
It's an item that is becoming more and more rare. When a whole pot is found, it's already a little miracle. Abandoned for 40 years or more, very few survive the plundering by tourists and the local population.
All that are left are crushed by the forestry machines.
All? Non! Some determined pots are buried under the moss resisting the invader. Or they're hidden in remote zones far from townies and roman patrols.
So each year, i'm off to boar hunt! Slip of the tongue? No, no! There is a link with the boar! The boar searches for roots and digs up the moss.
To go pot hunting you need a good 4x4, that goes everywhere (not the ones that look good in town), you have to go into deep forest at the time of day when the sun is low and lights up the clearings, you need a tube of insect repellent against flat flies**, and you have to have talent. Yes, talent. Little by little I've come to understand where the next ones may be found: on steep slopes, to the east of dunes in the form of burs. Where the machines can't go, where patrolmen are too lazy to go. It's there that sometimes it's possible to find 20 or 30 pots scattered over a hectare of land, those that have been uncovered by the snout of a boar. But mostly we go home empty handed.
At a rhythm like this, it's going to take a whole year to find the 200 that look like being necessary!
But the miracle of talent happens sometimes: the boar have uncovered a stock of pots, placed here 40 or 50 years ago by a far-sighted resin collector. Slotted together, one inside the other.
So, last night I went boar hunting and it was my lucky day: 215 pots and I couldn't take them all (the Lada 4x4 risked being overloaded!)
3 "mines" unearthed within 20 m of each other and an "open-air mine", lit up by a ray of sunshine...
Judge for yourselves!
*Resin pot (cutiot): Each finisher of the Trans Aq' receives one. It's an earthenware pot, remnant of an activity that died out 40 years ago. The pots were used to collect resin that ran from cuts on the trunks of pine trees. Once transformed this resin becomes turpentine or colophony. Today, it costs less to buy these products from China...
**Flat flies: "horse fly", an insect that has infested our region over the last 15 years and lives on the blood of wild game and anything that runs and sweats in the forest.
Enough of complainers! Too expensive, not enough shuttles, etc. !
So, it’s decided, in 2010 the price goes from 680 to 2700 Euros. For this price, you’ll get a bonus: a week, full board in a hotel at Ouarzazate, flight included, trek on camelback in the desert included. Yes, a week of racing in Aquitaine + a week of holidays!
Shuttles included
And we’ll still make a profit.
Too expensive the Trans Aq’? Let me laugh...
Dédé
An anecdote, that only 2 or 3 are aware of:
It’s 2006, the second Trans Aq’, during the night run. Dédé is usually the volunteer that opens the race. But for the night run, I gave him the mission of “marking up” the most complicated part of the itinerary, the most hilly.
He knows the quirks of the La Teste forest like the back of his hand. But, careful and responsible, he decides to take a “guide” to help him through the darkness, just in case... On the map that I give him, I’ve underlined in red the tracks that are too sandy, where he must not adventure with his Chevrolet, under threat of becoming bogged down. His guide, an agent of the local NFO, Jean-François Deutch, who will later become one of the pillars of the organisation. Being short of time, the running pack is only 30 minutes behind him, he decides to take a short cut. Underlined in red on the map. The Chevrolet gets bogged down. And it will be stuck there until the following day.
No radio or telephone network in this zone.
Dédé understands the danger for the race and obviously for the runners. He must place a maximum of markers, on foot. He hopes that on my side, not seeing him get to the end of his task within the time limits (I’m covering the following zone), I’ll understand that I have to take his place...
With Jean, they take the ribbon, but also the beacon that they must place at “Curepipe” and start out on foot, running. He who didn’t like running! In the sand, and in the dark.
Effectively, 15 minutes later, my conscience gets the better of me and I check out the track where he should have already been along. Nothing. No markers.
I guess the story and start marking up as best I can 3km of tracks, just 5 minutes ahead of the running pack, praying that Dédé has had the idea of going ahead on foot.
Arriving at Curepipe he discovers that he’s lost the clip for the beacon... he decides to stay there and counts on my trust and understanding of what has happened. He’ll spend 3 hours, sitting in the dark with Jean, at the beacon spot. To reassure the runners, he ticks their cards using an indelible ink pen. And informs them that there are no tape markers for the next km. Because of his knowledge of the zone, he understands that I won’t have had time to cover this part of the track, and it being a straight line it is easy for the runners to follow. He understands that I’ll consecrate my time to the following km.
Yes, that night, the symbiosis between our ways of thinking, but more the composure, the sense of responsibility and the analytic qualities of Dédé, saved the night run.
In the early morning, Jean with a shovel, Dédé directing the manoeuvres.
Operation nearly over
Au petit matin, Jean à la pelle, Dédé dirige la manoeuvre. Opération presque terminée.
André Broutouly
Faithful volunteer from the first Trans Aq’, André Broutouly (Dédé) has been taken from us, victim of an heart attack.
You know that we don’t go in for “sentimentality” but by force we must say that we are deeply affected by this drama. Next June it will be hard not seeing him behind the wheel of his Land Rover, very difficult not to hear his voice over the radio, his laughter at the bivouac...
His funeral was held yesterday morning at the Notre Dame des Passes church in Mouleau (Arcachon).
Our heart-felt condolences go to his family and friends.
Running for women
Cécile Bertin is the founder and presenter of a different type of website. It’s dedicated to running for women.
Her declared objectives are:
-Give women the incentive to launch themselves into this sport that is more complete than thought.
-Give women the incentive to launch themselves into sports projects of which they dream, without having the courage to do it, like running their first marathon
-Bring answers to their questions that they sometimes judge as idiotic and that they don’t dare ask anyone…
-Create a community united by the same way of approaching running: pleasure before all!
“My Trans Aq’ gift, the T-shirt has been delivered. I wear it day and night. Is this normal? The wait until June is going to be a long one…”
Lionel Nédélec, future Trans Aquitainian
Stars
You know that we’re in the habit of sticking one or more stars to competitors names when they’ve finished one or more Trans Aq’ (and an ‘apostrophe’ for those who’ve finished a Cannonball).
On the left-hand side of this page under its name “Stars” is our new web page, we’ve published the full list of finishers, but also the non-finishers.
Please let us know if you find any mistakes.
Number of Abandons
2008: 168 starters, 10 abandons = 5.91%
Because of the weather, let’s say, clement, the rate of abandons was small this year. Note that the runners eliminated the first day are not included in these ratings, which would take them up to 8.28%
2007: 128 starters, 8 abandons = 6.25%
With weather showing no rain and no big heat, the rate of abandons was also small (and no runners were eliminated).
2006: 152 starters, 23 abandons = 15.13%
Heat wave (+35°C in the shade at some moments). Many health failures. One eliminated.
2005: 62 starters, 12 abandons = 19.35%
Heat wave and a difficult first stage (48km). 4 abandons the first day! One eliminated.
Bag weights 2008
The (hand) bags for the women’s podium were the following : 5.520kg for Edith Doyen*, 6.620kg for Carole Diest* and 6.220kg for Irina Guarghias*. The lightest womens pack was that of Corinne Arbez*** (4.120kg) and the heaviest (7.000kg) for Tess Geddes and Nathalie Chevallay, both eliminated the first day in fact.
For the men, Walter Jeannin* 4.900kg, Jérôme Béréziat* 4.860kg and Dominique Sikora**** 4.700kg. Many packs (10) were at the 7.000kg limit, this includes the 3 last runners in the general rankings. The lightest pack was that of Gideon Zadok* 3.780kg.
For these weights to be more meaningful they should be linked to the body weights of the runners.
Long-life blisters
Costly, but well worth it in the long run! No, I’m only joking… I’m, of course, going to talk about your feet!
Read clauses 16, 23 and 32 of the Rules and Regulations.
It’s a sure thing that the Trans Aq’ bivouac will not look like a camp hospital each evening. The Trans Aq’ is aimed at responsible runners. That means you take care of yourselves, feet included.
The rules obligate you to carry the necessary equipment for treating your feet. That means if you play with words and you go through the control points with just one plaster and a mini bottle of antiseptic, then don’t expect to find an “understanding jury”.
Our chiropodists will do a tent tour and give you solid and precise advice.
The same goes for the physiotherapists, strapping and other amputations!
Re-read carefully articles 16, 23, and 32. S’il vous plait!
Speed
For those who have never taken part in the Trans Aq’ or run in Africa, it’s important for you to understand what awaits you…
Backpack + more or less sandy tracks + relief + heat = -20% to -30% of moving speed. Yes, if you usually run a marathon in 4 hours, then it will take you 6 hours or even more to run a stage of 42 km.
This theory has been verified even for the best runners, because the Trans Aq’ is won at a speed of 10 to 11km/h (depending on the year) by runners capable of running these distances at 14 to 15km/h without a backpack, no sand, etc…
1. Quality – run quickly
This is why it’s important to include quality (speed-work) in your training sessions, to increase your value so you’ll not be forced to walk 90% of the Trans Aq’.
E.g. if you run a marathon in 4h10m, your speed is an average 10km/h. With a backpack weighing 5kg (day 1), you lose about 2km/h at the same level of effort. With temperatures at 27°C to 30°C you’ll lose at least another km/h in comparison to 20°C still at the same level of effort. And the average state of the ground on the Trans Aq’ will make you lose another 1 to 2km/h. So, the first day, if it’s hot, in order to not overdo it, you’ll have to run at 7km/h in the morning (when it’s cool) then 6km/h if the heat remains until the end of the stage, always at the same level of effort for a 4h10m marathon…
This is only an average. To resume, if the backpack is heavier, if the weather is hotter and in sandy passages, you’ll be at a maximum 5km/h, if you don’t want to put yourselves into the “red zone”. It’s essential to understand this if you want your Trans Aq’ to be a success.
A 4h10m marathon runner will, therefore, walk often. At each sandy passage, at each uphill passage.
A 3h marathon runner, if he knows how to manage his effort, will probably never have to walk because his average speed will be between 9 to 10km/h.
So, this is why it’s useful to do some quality training sessions, otherwise you’ll be forced to walk often.
2. Specific – slow running
On the contrary, I know many runners where the Trans Aq’ has “completely passed them by” because they didn’t take the time to learn how to run slowly. When you’re used to training at 11 to 13km/h, it’s very difficult muscularly to run at 8 or 9km/h. But it will very often be necessary so as not to “explode” and have to finish a stage by walking. It is, therefore, necessary during training sessions to run for at least 2 hours using these specific speeds. Thigh muscles will become accustomed to work under compression and you’ll avoid pain and injury when you’ll be forced to run at these speeds over many hours (the long stage).
The same goes for the slower runners; they’ll have to walk often (as shown above) and so it’s useful to train yourself to walk because the tendons and muscles don’t work in the same way.
Blisters
Many runners suffer from blisters when usually they never have them… If it’s not owing to shoe size or even new shoes, it’s often because you’ll provoke unusual rubbing/friction. By walking, you may suffer from blisters on the heels if you usually don’t walk, whereas when running you never get blisters, except on the toes.
To sum up, teach yourself to run slowly, or do speed training, running at your marathon speed is unnecessary for preparing the Trans Aq’.
This is only my opinion, it’s not advice carved in stone.
Blondes
Corinne Brunette is registered, Frédérique Chatain (Chestnut) is pre-registered, Alexandra Rousset (Redhead) will not be with us this year… If there’s a blonde out there who would like to register, she can do it under her real name!
Spreading the weight
In the forum, I’ve read that some teams are spreading out the weight between different members. A tube of sunscreen, a cooking pot, etc. It’s clever, logic and not really forbidden. We can’t, after all, forbid everything! But we would like to appose some reservations: It’s clear that the mandatory equipment can’t be transported in the bag of a spouse, friend or team member. Why? Suppose that (s)he has to abandon! (S)he hasn’t the right or the possibility of handing over the shared equipment.
The mandatory equipment is listed in clause 23 of the rules and regulations. It concerns equally and especially the foodstuffs.
Our controls will be systematic and regular. We’ve established a table of the weight that we should find for your backpack at the different stages, in function of the initial weight and the weight of the calories. If the weight is not in accordance (too light or too heavy) we’ll open the pack to try and understand where the problem lies. The same goes for clothes, wearing the spare set of clothes of a friend is not in the spirit of the event.
The objective of this rule is not to penalise the frail or those who are there for the pleasure, but to respect a certain equity, especially for those who want a good place at the finish line and who wouldn’t appreciate being beaten by someone who didn’t run under the same set of rules.
Gentlemen, if we find a make-up bag in your backpack, you may have to answer in front of a suspicious and sardonic audience!
Ultra book
Raidlight have just published a book talking about ultra stage racing. The MDS and La Trans Aq’ have been well covered. The writers of this book are the “leeks” so dear to our hearts, i.e., anonymous runners to be found in the middle of the bunch. One is a Trans Aquitainian, Foued Bérahou*
Start with the second one!
We often hear: “the first year, I had too much food, my scissors were too heavy, I took too much useless stuff in my pack. For my second go, I’ll not make the same mistakes!”
We suggest that you run your first Trans Aq’ as though it was already the second!
Listen to our advice; listen to the “oldies”.
We’ll soon be opening up a forum in which oldies and newcomers can “exchange” ideas. Summaries of each others’ experiences, our news articles will reflect week after week all the tricks of the trade from the “oldies”.
Avoid the first attempt and start straight off with your second Trans Aq’…
For those who grumble
Here’s a Senegalese proverb for those who grumble, of course we’re not pointing at anyone in particular:
“It is better to walk fast than to grow angry at the forest.”
Soul
Russian proverb: “The soul of others is often a deep forest.”
The Trans Aq’ has a soul; it’s not us who says so, but your testimonies. A soul, difficult to perceive, for those who have not run in the …deep forests of the Trans Aq” route.
Screening
We are happy to announce the arrival of a new major partner: Carglass, The number one specialist in France for windscreen replacements and repairs.
We are pleased to note that a major company like this doesn’t give in to easy projects by helping popular events, but on the contrary it decides to support a race that defends other values. The decision that gave origin to this agreement came straight from the heart of a senior executive of this firm. A Trans Aquitainian himself. Thank you for the Trans Aq’ and Welcome!
Cutiots (Resin Pots)
It’s not only the name of the winning team in 2007, it’s also the “Landais” name for the resin pots that are becoming more and more difficult to find in the forest. There were “truffle” pigs, now the place has been taken by “Gerard-the-resin-pot-tracker” (or “resin-pot-pig”?). Mushrooms are too easy! The cutiot, now that’s sport: don’t try and beat me at this, I’m much too good: I can “smell” them, yet another 110 have been found in 3 expeditions. We’ve got 180 in stock. Will you be 180 finishers next year? For a 2nd cutiot and umpteenth star?
The Cutiots team will be back in 2008 with, to top it off, a girls team “the Cutiotes” to join them!
Au petit matin, Jean à la pelle, Dédé dirige la manoeuvre. Opération presque terminée.