Emmanuel Gault has been running with TEAM ASICS TRAIL FRANCE for over two years, and has run trails all over the world. He is one of the professional trail runners that worked with ASICS’ product development team to create the new FUJI trail collection. Emmanuel challenges himself to constantly go faster and higher across the trails, relishing the challenge between himself and nature. For Emmanuel, trail running is about connecting the sensations of the body with the different terrains under his feet and opening his eyes to the environment around him.
Emmanuel Gault has been running with TEAM ASICS TRAIL FRANCE for over
two years, and has run trails all over the world. He is one of the professional
trail runners that worked with ASICS’ product development team to create
the new FUJI trail collection.
Emmanuel challenges himself to constantly go faster and higher across
the trails, relishing the challenge between himself and nature. For Emmanuel,
trail running is about connecting the sensations of the body with the different
terrains under his feet and opening his eyes to the environment around
him.
1. What is it that you love about trail running?
I love that it is a tough sport and the challenge of running a difficult
trail, plus the variability of it; you can be climbing steep inclines or
running fast flat trails. I also enjoy being able to run across some of
the most amazing landscapes in the world. The competition is great, as
I get to compete against some of the best trail runners on the planet and
difficult races give me the opportunity to push myself and challenge my
endurance levels.
2. What is your average training day like – how far
and how high do you go?
It all depends on the day and my training schedule. On Sundays I can go
on a 4 hour run covering more than 40km and climbing 2000m+. I also include
shorter, faster sessions which are around an hour, where I cover approximately
15km. I like to vary my training so I improve all aspects of my fitness;
endurance, speed and climbing. I cycle to improve my muscular strength
which is very important in trail running, and have one recovery day a week.
In 2011, I ran on average 100km a week, but this year I am looking to increase
to around 120km as I want to make sure I continue to progress.
3. Which terrain do you feel is the most demanding –
on your body and on your kit?
I find long flat trails difficult to run, but mountains are obviously
very hard. When you are climbing, you are pushing your body to its limit
and when you descend your muscles are incredibly tired. When you are running
mountains you use many different skills – being mentally prepared is very
important as when you hit the incline you are running hard and uphill for
long periods of time. It is even harder when there are difficult weather
conditions, which is why I choose the best equipment. Technical shirts
and practical clothes for bad weather, along with very good trail shoes
are very important, along with my signature trail tube on my head.
4. What are the key differences between road and trail
shoes?
The main difference is the outsole; this needs to be suitable for all
types of trail. You can be running in mud or across rocks but you need
to be sure that your shoe provides good grip on all surfaces. Comfort and
protection are also important, especially when you are going on long runs
where you will come across difficult sections that will hurt your feet
if you do not have the correct shoes. I know ASICS shoes well and
find them very comfortable. The best way to be as efficient as possible
is to look ahead to your future race – the ground, the challenges – and
choose the best shoe for this.
5. How did you get into trail running?
It is a very long story. I was a very fast runner when I was younger,
but had a serious accident which put me out of running for 2 years. Doctors
told me I had to stop running because my legs had been damaged so badly,
but I love sport and love competing so I turned to cycling for the next
6 years. I then began running again, little by little, and started running
cross country and road races up until 4 years ago, when a friend who was
passionate about trail running, and knew the required skills persuaded
me to give it a go. As soon as I started, I found everything that I look
for in a sport and decided that I was going to train seriously to reach
the highest level possible. I always look to the next day and aim to improve
on the last.
6. What is your recommendation for anyone who is starting
out on the trails (kit and training)?
It is important to choose the correct equipment, especially your shoes.
Your shoes are essentially your running partner, so you should think carefully
about footwear and choose a shoe that is suitable for your feet, gait,
your objectives and personal preferences. Training must be progressive.
You need to train hard for trail running, but you must remember to respect
your body and increase the length and difficulty bit by bit. As you progress
you will enjoy running longer trails and in some amazing landscapes. It
can be a long journey but the enjoyment will be huge.
7. What is the highest incline and steepest descent
you have ever run?
The ‘Col de la Forclaz’ climb in the 2011 CCC race. It was 3km long but
climbed over 1100m and is one I remember being very tough. In that race
I reached an altitude of 2500m three times. The descent after the ‘Grand
col Ferret’ is around 2000m and it really breaks your legs by the time
you arrive at the bottom of the deep valley which is in Switzerland. I
also remember races where I have had to use my hands to climb, as there
have been incredible walls to get over, however I much prefer to use my
legs.
8. Have you had any memorable encounters while out running
the trails (funny/scary/breathtaking moments)?
I have had many of these moments, another reason why I love this sport.
If I had to choose a couple then I think the top of ‘Tete aux Vents’ during
the 2010 CCC would be my nightmare moment. The weather was like an apocalypse
and I had to climb to an altitude of 2000m through water. The CCC 2011
race was a dream moment for me. I felt as if I flew the whole race and
the arrival at the end was phenomenal. My son ran into my arms and was
crying he was so happy. When I train with ASICS Team Trail France there
are many funny moments and I have great memories from training. One session
during the winter ended with a big snow fight.
9. How much do you eat when you are training? Do you
take any snacks when out on trails? How many calories do you think you
burn?
When I go out training, I take lots of energy bars, gels, energy drinks
and water because I need a lot of energy to run as fast as possible over
long periods of time. I usually take one bar, one gel and 500ml of energy
drink per hour. I can burn over 1000kcals per hour in an intensive session
and after fast or long sessions I eat like an ogre for 24 hours to restore
my energy levels as fast as possible.
10. What is the longest or most demanding trail you
have run?
The 2011 CCC race around Mont Blanc – nearly 100km climbing over 5600m.
However, I felt really good on that day so I didn’t really realise how
far it was.
11. How do you combine your job as a school director
with being a professional runner?
I try to be very organised with my time; during the week I train during
my lunch breaks and sometimes late after work with my headlamp. It can
be hard to train after a hard day and I find it a fight to constantly push
my body in the evenings, but I am always looking to improve and reach my
goals so I never ask myself any questions; if I have to go training I go,
and if I have to run until midnight I do. I love my sport and I love my
work, so I aim to be the best trail runner and the best teacher I can possibly
be. The key is never to forget your goals, the rest is organisation.
12. Have you enjoyed working on the development of the
new FUJI collection – what are the features that you suggested?
I am passionate about running and am always trying to learn more, so working
on the development of the new ASICS FUJI collection has been fantastic.
It was great to share my experiences and knowledge of trail running with
the ASICS development team. Today, you not only need to be comfortable
but you need to run fast and be able to feel the sensations on all different
types of trails. The profile of the outsole was also an important area
to focus on and the ASICS developer was close to perfection in his first
prototypes.
13. How do the features differ from the previous models
and how do they benefit your running?
I think ASICS had really good trail shoes before the FUJI range, but we
worked to improve the new collection and create a range that had a model
to suit all kinds of runners. We thought about all the characteristics
of the trail for the FUJI collection and I think it offers a shoe for everyone
with some very technical models. It was a long process but we are really
happy with the results.
14. What shoe do you run in and why?
I love the GEL-FUJIRacer because I run very fast in it. It is a very lightweight
shoe and has the perfect outsole which is comfortable, has good grip and
allows me to feel the ground. When I wear it, I really feel that my shoe
is a continuation of my body and spirit.
15. What is your favourite trail and why?
It is one where I can go fast, but which is very long and difficult. It
is one that makes me push my body, strength and willpower to the limits.
In 2011 it was the CCC and this year I think it will be the UTMB (Ultra-Trail
du Mont-Blanc) race, which is 166km long and climbs over 9000m. This is
my next very important goal...
Name:Emmanuel Gault
Occupation:Professional trail runner with TEAM ASICS TRAIL FRANCE
and school director
Date of birth:28th November 1976
Hometown:UZES – South of France
Latest achievements:
- 2011 CCC (Courmayeur, Champex, Chamonix) Winner
- 2011 OXYGEN Challenge Winner
- 2011 World Team Champion
