Why did you choose UTAT?
Armando: This is a test I want to face! The altitude, the terrain, this total change of environment. It is also an opportunity to race outside Europe in a country and mountains that I dream of visiting.
Daniel: I was last year in Morocco for my vacation and the country, the people and the Atlas mountains have bewitched me!
What do you expect from this race?
Armando: I am expecting a difficult race in a beautiful and preserved nature.
Daniel: First I hope to take pleasure in learning another reality in trail. In the Atlas which is a massif that I know so little. This race would also be a great opportunity to discover another culture.
You have an impressive track record and both confirm your good form in 2017, with an ultra victory each at the counter. When did you start to trail and what made you go to this sport?
Armando: I started running at 33, encouraged by friends. I came from the road to the trail, because I love the mountains, I like this feeling of freedom. I love the challenge and adventure of trail endurance.
Daniel: I started quite young, Just because I like this feeling of freedom and peace in nature.
On the nutrition side, what do you eat before, during and after the race?
Armando: The weeks before, I’m careful to eat more vegetables, fruit and keep my body hydrated. My food is normal, I’m just careful and I do Mediterranean cuisine!
Daniel: A mix of everything! Before the race, I eat bread with honey. During, I eat fruit, soup, bars and chocolate and after, I like to eat a pizza!
Ultra is a traumatic experience for the body. Can you tell us more about your recovery method?
Armando: for a good recovery, it is necessary to maintain a good diet and rest as much as possible the body and the mind. I reduce the race, but I remain active with cycling and swimming.
Daniel: Swimming pool, sauna and a little of race biking.
What do you think during an ultra during difficult times?
Armando: In difficult times, I try to think of the beautiful things in life. Every race is a unique moment to which I strive as hard as I can. Make these moments an opportunity to overcome the difficulty and learn something for the future. See good things in difficult times.
Daniel: Good times always come in mind. Positive brings only the positive!